The Annual Meeting of the Arab Business Council
2-3 December, Abu Dhabi

Read the Annual Meeting 2006 Report
Over the past few years, the Middle East has seen a tremendous escalation of instability on the political and social scenes. Indeed, the recent crisis in Lebanon has clearly demonstrated the volatility of the situation and its potential impact on neighbouring countries. Today more than ever, the Arab Business Council (ABC) believes that economic integration and job creation remain important means of addressing these issues and contribute to building the foundations of a sustainable and robust economy. This year’s Annual Meeting of the Arab Business Council focused on four main topics, including trade, competitiveness, reform and the effect of the current political situation on business in the region.

Arab world competitiveness was showcased through the results of The Global Competitiveness Report 2006-2007 of the World Economic Forum. The discussion laid the foundations for preparing the Arab World Competitiveness Report, which is supported by the ABC.

Moreover, the meeting served as a platform to launch the ABC-financed trade study. With its results, participants were invited to discuss the benefits of trade agreements with relevant government leaders. Participants also openly explored the compatibility of various international trade agreements and their effects on regional trade.

The meeting allowed participants to explore the effects of recent political and armed conflicts on business and serve as an experience-exchange forum for investing in affected countries.

The meeting helped the ABC identify what it really takes to advance change in the region with the help ABC alumni members and other business men and women who now serve in government positions.

The economy needs the dynamic and rigorous intervention of the Arab business community at all levels, from policy-making to investment and from planning to implementation. This year’s annual meeting provided an opportunity for all ABC members to contribute and provide feedback to the ABC initiatives and expand the scope of these initiatives.

Read the presentations of speakers including:
-Political Impact on Business by Sean M. Cleary, Strategic Adviser, World Economic Forum
Political volatility has constantly held back the region's development, despite its enormous capital and human wealth. The risks associated with conflict have had an asymmetrical impact on the region. More >>
- What Is the Role of the Investment Task Force? by Karim El Solh, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Gulf Capital, UAE
The objective of the Investment Task Force (ITF) of the Arab Business Council is to address barriers to foreign and domestic investment in the region and marshal support for reforms that are relevant to growth sectors. More >>
- MENA Trade Prospects by Robert Z. Lawrence, Professor of Trade and Investment, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA
A study commissioned by the ABC concludes that individual Free Trade Agreements with the US have the potential to drive reforms in the MENA region. As currently designed, these FTAs carry many significant long-term implications for regional integration. More >>
- World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report by Fiona Paua, Senior Adviser to the Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum
The competitiveness of the Arab world will be examined according to the results of the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 2006-2007. How does the MENA region rank against emerging and/or comparable economies? More >>