Signing of landmark agreement for The Arab British Chamber of Commerce and the Arab International Women’s Forum
Two prominent organisations recently embarked on a new level of cooperation when Dr Afnan Al Shuaiby, Secretary General and CEO of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), and Mrs Haifa Al Kaylani, Chairman of the Arab International Women’s Forum, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between their organisations to jointly promote trade and enhance co-operation between the UK and the Arab world with a special focus on women. The signing ceremony was held at a celebratory reception hosted by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, on 1st July in London.
While there has been a considerable measure of collaboration between the two organisations, the recognition of a formal partnership will allow the ABCC and AIWF to create a powerful coalition to jointly promote trade and foster intercultural exchange between Arab women and their British and international counterparts.
Established in 1975 under the banner of ‘Friendship through Trade’, the Chamber shares many objectives with AIWF whose mission, since it was founded in 2001, has been ‘Building Bridges, Building Business’. Both organisations believe that a commitment to innovation, public-private collaboration and fostering business ties will pave the way for peace, prosperity and stability in the Arab region
“Both our organisations work with governments and civil society, enhancing communication and understanding, and they showcase the role of business leaders and entrepreneurs from the Arab world to foster economic growth within the United Kingdom, the Arab world’s largest trading partner, and the 22 states of the Arab League,” commented Dr Al Shuaiby.
This new partnership provides for a number of joint projects intended to strengthen the capacity of both organisations in their shared mission to recognise the potential of Arab women, to promote cross-cultural diversity and to create greater public awareness of women’s success and prospects in the Arab world.
Stated Mrs Haifa Al Kaylani: “The Memorandum of Understanding will give added impetus to AIWF in our support for women in business and be an added vehicle for us to strengthen our work and mission to support and foster women’s entrepreneurship through trade at a time when that can be a valuable contribution to economic recovery. Indeed not only in business, but also in political and social leadership women’s integrity is needed more than ever. Arab women can prove to be real engines of growth and development, truly powering peace and progress, and they are the key to the future of the Middle East”.
