Meeting the Challenges Together
The Arab British Chamber of Commerce announced, that the first Arab British Economic Forum (ABEF) would be held from 2-3 November 2009 at the InterContinental Hotel Park Lane, London.
The ABEF will be the key Arab-British business event in London this year. It will be addressed by Ministers and leading business figures from the Arab world and the United Kingdom. Their presentations will stimulate discussion by participants of the key topics in six sector-focussed sessions over the two days, addressing Agriculture, Financial Services, Education & Training, IT & Telecoms, Renewable Energy and the role of Women in the Global Economy.
The ABEF is supported by the League of Arab States, UKTI, the British Chambers of Commerce and British Expertise. It will assess the implications of the global economic downturn and worldwide capital constraints for trade and economic relations between Britain and the Arab world. It will take stock of financial conditions in the last quarter of 2009; the prospects for revived confidence in a revitalised international financial system, the easing of capital constraints and restored lending; the implications for broader economic recovery; and the opportunities for Arab and British partners to secure their business objectives by Meeting the Challenges Together. Space will be available at the Forum for one to one meetings between participants.
ABCC Secretary General and Chief Executive Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby said, “The ABEF will be held at a significant moment for the world economy. Although all countries around the world have been affected by the global economic downturn, many Arab countries have weathered the storm better than other regions due to conservative regulatory policies, sophisticated economic strategies and strong financial positions based on oil prices which remain above their governments’ budget assumptions. They continue to offer strong business opportunities for British companies and are looking for the skills and products the United Kingdom has to offer. These factors ensure that the business partnership between Britain and the Arab world remains strong and continues to deliver economic benefit to both sides”.
Further information on the event and registration is available on the Forum website at www.abef.org.uk. It will be updated regularly as additional speakers and sponsors agree to support the event and other new information becomes available.
Media enquiries should be directed to Mr Omar Al-Kurdi (Head of Public Relations at the ABCC) at 020 7659 4860 or [email protected]
Notes for Editors
1. The Arab-British Chamber of Commerce is the international joint chamber of commerce promoting trade exchanges and economic relationships between the UK and the Arab world. Established in 1975, it provides advice and services to Arab and British exporters and importers and handles export certification for Arab Embassies in London. The Secretary General & Chief Executive (currently Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby, a Saudi national) reports to an international Board chaired by Sir Roger Tomkys KCMG DL. Information on the ABCC’s services and other events is available on its website at www.abcc.org.uk
2. The League of Arab States, also known as the Arab League, is a regional organisation combining the 22 states of the Arab world. Founded in 1945, its Secretariat is located in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. The current Secretary General is HE Amre Moussa, the former Egyptian Foreign Minister. Further information is available on its website www.arableagueonline.org
3. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the British government body responsible for the promotion of British exports and inward investment. It works with UK-based businesses to ensure their success in international markets and encourages the best overseas companies to look to the UK as their global partner of choice. The Chief Executive is Sir Andrew Cahn KCMG, who supports Mervyn Davies CBE (Lord Davies of Abersoch) in his role as Minister of State for Trade & Investment at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Further information is available on its website at www.ukti.gov.uk
4. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the national body for a powerful and influential network of accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK. A non-political, non-profit making organization, the BCC serves its member businesses and the wider business community, working with Government to shape policy affecting businesses and focussing on key areas of activity including International Trade, Skills Development and Business Services. The Director General is Mr David Frost. Further information is available on its website at www.britishchambers.org.uk
5. British Expertise is the leading private sector organization for the promotion of professional services from the UK. Founded in 1966, its 250 large and small member companies offer their services across a wide range of sectors and in almost every country in the world. They have a high international reputation for quality. The Chief Executive is Mr Graham Hand. Further information is available on its website at http://www.britishexpertise.org
