Arab Business Leaders, with the support of the Euro-Mediterranean think tank  IPEMED, the Franco-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Paris-Dauphine University have organized the first “ SMEs & Arab World ” Forum under the patronage and in presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Shurooq. 

The events took place over 4 days and gathered major players of the European and French Economies, including SMEs, international trade agencies, Chambers of Commerce and the Ministers of Economy and Foreign Affairs. 

400 CEOs from Europe and the MENA region participated in the conference on May 20th at Paris-Dauphine University. It focused on how French SMEs can succeed in the MENA region as well as on how Arab investors can support French SMEs’ growth. 

H.H Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi delivered a speech in French towards stronger relationships based on mutual exchanges and trust between the Arab World and Western countries. 

H.H Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: “Our civilizations, European and Arabs, are different, but also complementary in many respects. And while our legal, political and economic environments may differ, I am here today to assure you we will do everything in our power to help you overcome any obstacles in order to succeed in Sharjah’s thriving economic environment.”

Diplomatic and business delegations from several Arab countries and Europe attended the conference. Professionals from Europe, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco and Lebanon participated in the round tables and gave their vision about the French-MENA relations. All of them highlighted the weakness of Arab investments in French SMEs and agreed to work together in the near future to strengthen ties between Europe, France and the MENA region. 

Face to face meetings between Arab delegations and French CEOs were held before the conference.

A new edition of the forum will be organized by the end of 2015 in the UAE.