AmCham Forum explores trade expansion in MENA

Manama : US trade relations with Bahrain and the MENA region will only improve as both regions are eager for mutual growth, said Qays H. Zu’bi President of AmCham Bahrain. He was speaking at the opening of AmCham MENA Regional Council’s Annual Forum yesterday. The opportunities between MENA and US markets are “tremendous” and the AmCham MENA Regional Council will strive to further improve the relationship between the regions, he added.

“We look forward to a new era in US, Bahrain and MENA relationships that encompasses full economic and commercial support and a higher degree of sensitivity in a manner that would avoid provoking further political instability. The MENA markets continue to be important for the United States and thus the desire for greater engagement from and at the highest of levels based on our history, common values, principles and mutual economic interests,” Zu’bi said.

The Forum’s opening ceremony featured a number of high levels speakers addressing issues critical to enhancing economic relations and trade. This included welcoming remarks from William Roebuck, US Ambassador to Bahrain, and a keynote address from the United States’ top-ranking diplomat for the MENA region, Ambassador Stuart E. Jones, Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary at the Bureau for Near Eastern Affairs at the State Department based in Washington DC.

The topics discussed during the event included role of SME’s in economic development in the MENA, the regional SME entrepreneurial ecosystem including taking a fresh look at identifying, training, connecting, facilitating market access, enabling supportive policies, and tapping into financing opportunities. 

The two-day forum, which opened yesterday, will continue till tomorrow. The event is aimed at promoting the expansion of trade and investment in the MENA region and the United States.