The Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host the Ambassador of Tunisia to the United States, His Excellency Mohamed Salah Tekaya on a multi-city tour through the United States. As the birth place of the Arab Spring, the U.S. State Department has announced a commitment of $55 million and 30 projects to support Tunisia's new economy and democracy. The Tunisian government has an ongoing commitment to developing infrastructure and improving ICT, tourism, franchising and renewable energy. Please join us for an analysis of current trends in the country, as well as learn how Tunisia serves as a model for what we can expect from other countries in the MENA region.
For more information please contact Amanda Dramberger at amanda@bilateralchamber.org.
The Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support and encourage participation in the 2nd U.S. - Maghreb Entrepreneurship Conference which will provide a networking opportunity for public and private sector entrepreneurs. This conference aims to develop programs in the areas of entrepreneurship, education & research, science & technology and arts & culture.
For more information about this conference, please click here.
In partnership with the National Council on US-Arab Relations (NCUSAR), the Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce (BUSACC) is honored to present the 5th Annual Model Arab League Conference (MAL). Students participating in the 2012 MAL will learn about the social, political, economic and security challenges of the Arab nations. While developing valuable skills in diplomacy, negotiation, argumentation, critical thinking, research, writing and public speaking, students also gain personal insight and meaningful understanding of issues underlying US-Arab relations.
In addition to awards, outstanding 2012 MAL participants are given preferential consideration for BUSACC and NCUSAR internships in Houston and Washington, D.C., respectively, and for participation in our study abroad programs in Egypt, Kuwait, and Morocco.
For more information about the program please click here or contact: Matthew Kocian at matthew@bilateralchamber.org
Executives from thirteen companies completed another successful Business Development Mission to two GCC countries: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait. The delegates had the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a region with a combined GDP of nearly $758.5 billion.
Our trade mission was led by our Board Members TH Vicky A. Bailey, Former US Secretary of Energy (Bush 43), and TH Robert W. Jordan, Former US Ambassador to the United States. Our delegation was comprised of senior executives representing Fortune 500 companies and SME's from Arcadis, AutoArch Architects, Baker Botts, Baker Hughes, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Fulbright & Jaworksi LLP, Ghana Development Corporation, Honeywell, Interflote - USA, Planetary Emissions Management, Inc., Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP and SAIC. Though the business objectives of the delegates varied in nature, all participants in the business mission benefitted from the meetings and networking opportunities that we arranged.
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)
TH Vicky A. Bailey, Former U.S. Secretary of Energy, TH David L. Phillips, Chairman of the Board, HE Abdul Wahab M. Al-Wazzan, Vice-Chairman of KCCI, HE Wafa A. Al-Qatami, Board Member of Trade & Transport Committee, TH Robert W. Jordan, Former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
New Year Greeting
Uncertainty is a way of life for entrepreneurs and business owners, but 2011 may be remembered as one of the most challenging years for assessing business risks all over the world. In the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, the Arab Spring has transformed the political landscape and traditional business rules of engagement in certain countries; while other seemingly unaffected countries continue to enjoy unprecedented public sector spending and opportunities for growth.
In response to this heightened uncertainty, we supported our members by navigating them through the maze of Arab Spring complexities, addressing these issues with timely executive-level programs, for example on the security environment in Libya; meetings with Egypt and Tunisia's new business-thought leaders; conferences and networking events with Ministers from across the region, executive leadership of national oil companies, rail infrastructure planners, IT and sustainable-energy innovators, and more. We finished 2011 with high-level receptions involving business leaders at the World Petroleum Congress, followed by US Trade Missions to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Bahrain.
We look forward to meeting with you early this year to understand more about your strategic growth plan and how we can continue to play an integral role in accomplishing your objectives. Until then, thank you for your involvement and commitment to our organization in 2011. We wish you a prosperous and wonderful 2012!
Aida Araissi
President
