Global recognition for ICC UAE Outreach Initiative ICC UAE turns challenges into opportunities in 2020

 Despite the unprecedented challenges of 2020, resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic, the International Chamber of Commerce, United Arab Emirates (ICC UAE) substantially enhanced its engagement and support with International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) member countries as part of the ICC UAE Outreach Initiative.

During the course of 2020, ICC UAE conducted interactive online events in technology, banking and service excellence, for the ICC national chapters of Afghanistan, Armenia, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, Pakistan and Russia. These events were well-received and appreciated by the concerned international recipients.

The sixth ICC UAE Board of Directors meeting, which was  held virtually was told the ICC UAE Outreach Initiative – a visionary idea of HE. Humaid Ben Salem, Chairman of ICC UAE – had deployed communications technology to provide 360-degree support to several ICC national chapters.

Chairing the virtual meeting, HE. Humaid Ben Salem thanked the ICC UAE members for their unwavering support during a challenging year that had seen the activities of ICC UAE reach new heights on the international stage.

He said: “We must continuously strive to do more and pioneer new initiatives to support UAE businesses, especially SMEs, in their endeavour to reach global markets.”

Referring to the UAE’s successful Mars mission, HE. Humaid Ben Salem said “It is inspiring that the UAE took the lead role to be the first Arab nation to launch a scientific mission to Mars. We must take hope from the UAE’s Hope mission to Mars to also strive for greatness in our everyday business actions.”

Hassan Al Hashemi, Secretary General of ICC UAE, also stated that the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) had recognised ICC UAE as a driving force setting new benchmarks in global cooperation.

Mr. John Denton, Secretary General of the ICC, recently said: "In a challenging 2020 for business, people and planet, ICC UAE has been a driving force in addressing the negative impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic, while remaining steadfast in its commitment to strengthen the ICC network through collaborative and capacity-building efforts."

According to Mr. Vincent O’Brien, Director of ICC UAE, ICC UAE had doubled the number of its international and national events for its UAE members last year, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

The ICC has meanwhile selected ICC UAE to host the 2022 Global ICC Banking Commission Meeting.

The Dubai event, coming on the heels of Expo 2020 Dubai, will showcase the latest innovations in the digitalisation of global trade and finance and will see the participation of 500 industry experts.

ICC UAE is also working on a revised membership structure that aims to offer enhanced services to its existing members while also attracting new members from UAE-based businesses.