ARAB-EU BUSINESS FACILIATION NETWORK. Annual Report 2014

ARAB-EU BUSINESS FACILIATION NETWORK Annual Report 2014 1

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION....3 OVERVIEW OF AE-NETWORK ACTIVITIES IN 2014....4 SUMMARIES FROM 2014 WORKING GROUP MEETINGS....6 PARTNERS IN THE MENA REGION....7 SELECTED RESULTS OF 2014....8 MENA BENCHMARK REPORT....9 FORMALIZING THE AE-NETWORK IN 2015.... 10 AGREED FUTURE STRUCTURE.... 11 SPARKING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE MENA REGION.... 12 What is the Startup MENA concept?.... 12 Achievements So Far.... 14 Looking Ahead.... 17 PERSPECTIVES.... 18 ABOUT THE AE-NETWORK.... 19 THE PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS IN THE AE-NETWORK ALGERIA: Forum des Chefs des Entreprises (FCE) BAHRAIN: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) DENMARK: The Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) EGYPT: Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI) JORDAN: Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) GCC: Federation of GCC Chambers KUWAIT: Kuwait Chamber of Commerce (KCCI) LEBANON: Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI) LIBYA: Libyan Businessmen Council (LBC) MOROCCO: Confédération Générale des Entreprises du Maroc (CGEM) OMAN: Oman Chambers of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) PALESTINE: Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (FPCCIA) SAUDI ARABIA: Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) SYRIA: Damascus Chamber of Industry (DCI) TUNISIA: Union Tunisienne de l Industrie, du Commerce et de l Artisanat (UTICA) UAE: Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry QATAR: Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry 2

INTRODUCTION The 2014 Annual Report of the Arab-EU Business Facilitation Network marks a new era for the network. After having been operating for three years the network has developed and formalized itself into a strong structure, building its institutional capacity to propel its activities and services into the coming years. The development progress has been challenging. The political turmoil and instability in the Arab world has not made the overarching aim of accelerating private sector led growth and regional integration an easy task. We have, however, seen the light of market friendly economic reform combined with investment in human and physical capital. And, especially over the last year, some countries have regained political and economic momentum, while others, sadly, still remain in a political deadlock. The ingredients for economic reform are well known, but when it comes to developing a prescription for private sector led growth, country context matters. What is important in one place may be less important elsewhere. There are, if you like, ingredients, but no recipe, and the menu varies from place to place. In the process of private sector led growth it is important that we learn from our neighbors so we can do better ourselves. Therefore, the MENA Benchmark Report has been developed. It compares a variety of indicators which allows us to monitor progress and advocate for changes in areas where one country is lacking behind others. Together with the best practice examples presented in this Annual Report it is the hope that the AE network members can stand on the shoulders of each other and advocate for new reforms, provide new member services and altogether reach new heights of economic growth not only in their respective countries, but also in the MENA region as a whole. I hope you will enjoy the report. Niels Tanderup Kristensen Copenhagen 2014 3

2014 16th of February, Marrakech > > Conceptualizing the B2B platform > > Discussing the formalization of the AE Network JCI opted to host the secretariat > > Conducting a policy working session with selection of two focal areas of 2014: Vocational training & SMEs. > > Deciding that VET will be commenced by a pilot gap analysis of Food & Beverage sector in Egypt 27th of April, Amman > > Exploring the Startup MENA concept > > Outlining the financial model of the B2B platform UTICA opted to be lead > > Conducting a working session on prioritization of SME focal area. > > Deciding that the members shall share best practices of policies and services for SMEs in a Best Practice Catalogue February 17 18th: 3ème Forum Des Entrepreneurs Maghrebins April 28 29th: SME Regional Conference in Amman POLICY AREA RECOMMENDATIONS PRIORITY VET 7 Gap Analyses Policy focus of 2014 Bring together partners and institutions from public and private sectors to bettetr shape vocational training and SMEs legislative framework to the needs of SMEs SMEs 6 Best Practice 4

29th of September, Copenhagen > > Presenting the output of the SME conference in Jordan in April > > Presenting the upcoming MENA Benchmark Report > > Conducting a workshop on how the members can utilize the MENA Benchmark Report in their respective evidence based policy advocacy efforts. > > Presenting the VET pilot gap analysis from Egypt > > Presentation of the opportunities and barriers for the EU-GCC Trade relations 2015 September 30th: DI Summit in Copenhagen October 1st: company visits Copenhagen ACTIVITY OUTPUT TOR for Consultant to do pilot gap analysis of VET for the Food & Beverage sector in Egypt Pilot Gap analysis of VET for the Food & Beverage sector in Egypt > > More gap analyses > > Basis for structured dialogue with governmental officials regarding VET improvements Best Practice Catalogue SME Services & Policies Best Practice case collection of policies and services for SMEs promoted by BMOs in the network Best Practice Catalogue, SME Policies & Services > > AE network members improve their evidence based services to their member SMEs > > AE network members improve their evidence based policy advocacy efforts > > AE network promotes regional integration policy initiatives MENA Benchmark Report 5

SUMMARIES FROM 2014 WORKING GROUP MEETINGS FEB. 16TH MARRAKECH The Network first discussed the first specific suggestion to the development of a B2B platform. Presented by UTICA, the B2B Platform will constitute a trade promotion tool of the AE-network and thus complement the policy work of the network. Secondly, the Network discussed the upcoming activities for 2014, including the Startup MENA initiative, and the rationale behind the 2014 cooperation. This led to the discussion of the formalization of the Network in 2015. JCI opted to host the network. Lastly, the Network went through a policy working session in which the focal areas of 2014 were decided: Vocational training & SMEs. It was decided that the vocational training will be commenced by a pilot gap analysis of Food & Beverage sector in Egypt and that the SME topic would be discussed at the next meeting. APR. 27TH AMMAN The working group meeting in Amman first had two presentations. The Startup MENA concept was presented by Carsten Kolbek, and the investment potential in Lebanon was subsequently presented by the Danish Ambassador to Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Secondly, the discussion of the B2B platform was continued from the last meeting, now with an action plan incl. financing. It was decided that UTICA continues to take the lead on this and takes the work further. The Network then discussed the formalization of the network with JCI, which will be launched 1st of January 2015. Lastly, a workshop was conducted in which the Network in smaller groups shared their experiences within, and discussed, the second key focal policy point for 2014: SMEs. The Network members will subsequently share best practices of policies and services for SMEs these will be used as case studies for inspiration. SEPT. 29TH COPENHAGEN The third working group meeting of 2014 took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 29th, 2014 and was hosted at the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) in conjunction with the DI Annual Business Summit. The working group meeting was the third and last in the 2014 project circle. The discussions were focused on SME policies, strategies for policy advocacy, and cross border co-operation. The agenda included items such as a discussion of the output of the SME conference in Jordan in April as well as a presentation on the upcoming MENA Benchmark Report. Following a presentation on DI s efforts for SMEs, a workshop facilitated the discussion on how the members can utilize the MENA Benchmark Report in their respective evidence based policy advocacy efforts. Moreover, the meeting included a presentation from the Danish Business Authority on how to make public bureaucracy in Denmark more efficient, a presentation on EU-GCC Trade Relations and a presentation on a Vocational Training Gap Analysis in Egypt based on the pilot gap analysis undertaken. Lastly, the work plan for 2015 was presented. 6

PARTNERS IN THE MENA REGION AE Secretariat from 1st of January 2015 7

A PRIVATE SECTOR STRATEGY FOR A MAGHREB INITIATIVE OF COMMERCE AND INVESTMENT (IMCI) BACKGROUND REPORT AND ACTION PLAN Industrial & Economic Research Center - Jordan Chamber of Industry 1. Recommendations Roadmap On April 2014, Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) organized the SMEs Regional Conference titled Chambers & Business Associations: Drivers of Change, in cooperation with multiple local and international partners. By organizing this conference JCI aimed at creating a dialogue in regards to the important role Chambers and Business Associations (CBAs) should play to support the prosperity of SMEs as the engines of economic growth in the MENA region. The conference thus emphasized the role CBAs should play based on their wide representation base of business communities. Overall, the conference served as an attempt from JCI to address this vital role in the business environment through a two-day discussion that tackled various challenges and core issues facing the progress of SME growth and sustainability in Jordan and the region. The conference was concluded with a set of recommendations intended to be utilized by CBAs in the region to enhance (the focus on) their role in empowering SMEs. This document reflects these recommendations in the form of a roadmap that enables CBAs in the Arab region to play a distinguished new role in offering unique and unconventional services to SMEs, as they represent the biggest segment of enterprises in the Arab region. This will contribute to achieving the socio-economic and development objectives we all strive for. 1 SELECTED RESULTS OF 2014 GAP ANALYSIS: VET IN THE FOOD & BEVERAGE SECTOR IN EGYPT The policy prioritization of the AE network meant that Vocational & Educational Training was the first prioritized policy area of 2014. As a consequence, a pilot analysis was conducted in Egypt s food and beverage sector in order to assess the gaps of the vocational educational centers in Cairo. The results of the gap analysis were presented in Copenhagen, 29th of September. The analysis gives the Federation of Food Chambers under FEI in Egypt a concrete tool in its policy advocacy efforts whilst also constituting concrete inspiration for similar studies to be made by the other AE members. SME BEST PRACTICE CATALOGUE The policy prioritization of the AE network meant that SMEs was the second prioritized policy area of 2014. In order to share knowledge and experience several AE-network members have contributed with best practice examples of policies and services targeted at empowering SMEs. These have been turned into a Best Practice Catalogue which should serve as inspiration across the region for chambers and business associations, both for development of member services, but also for policy advocacy efforts. The draft of the Best Practice Catalogue was presented 29th of September in Copenhagen and was finalized in December. Best Practice Catalogue SME Services & Policies IMCI REPORT: MAKING THE CASE FOR MAGHREB BUSINESS IN TIMES OF CHANGE The Maghreb Initiative of Commerce and Investment (IMCI) is an initiative which aims at reducing the significant barriers to trade between the Maghreb countries which the Arab- Maghreb Union (AMU-UMA) has not been effectively handling. The report was developed with Konsentio and presents a bottom-up logic and approach to surmount step by step the absence of regional integration by association those actors to the process who know best what is happening on the ground. The report was presented at the 3ème Forum Des Entrepreneurs Maghrebins in Marrakech on 17 18th of February. MAKING THE CASE FOR MAGHREB BUSINESS IN TIMES OF CHANGE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHAMBERS AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS The discussions of the SME Regional Conference in Amman on April 28th 29th 2014 was summarized in 12 recommendations for chambers and business associations in the MENA region to continuously empower SMEs. Jordan Chamber of Industry subsequently developed a roadmap with concrete points of action for each recommendation in order to take the agenda of the conference a step further. The Roadmap was presented at the AE meeting on 29th September in Copenhagen. SME Empowerment: A Road Map for Chambers & Business Associations TOR FOR THE REGIONAL B2B PLATFORM A B2B platform connecting the companies across the MENA region not only with each other, but also with partners in the EU and the US has for a long time been a prioritized wish of the AE Network. The efforts have now materialized into ToR developed by UTICA which was presented after the network meeting in Copenhagen. The plan is for the platform to see the light of the day in 2015. 8

MENA BENCHMARK REPORT The MENA Benchmarking Report has been developed by the AE Network throughout 2014. It represents a first of its kind comparative analysis of the performance of business environments in AE member countries the MENA region. The report provides a benchmarking tool for monitoring the development of the general macroeconomic and the business environment as well as SME performance in the MENA region in a timely manner, which allows judging the effectiveness of policies in the countries. By highlighting strengths and weaknesses of each country, the report constitutes a concrete yet comprehensive tool which business organizations across the MENA region may utilize to conduct evidence-based policy advocacy in order to improve the business environment in their respective country. It can thus be used as basis for designing policies and essentially improving the business environment across the MENA region. MENA Benchmarking Report 2014 WHAT DID WE DO? The report is a result of a unique effort of collecting, combining and analyzing data from different influential international organizations (e.g., World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Transparency International, etc.) on the macroeconomic and business environment conditions in MENA countries. Besides comparing the performance of the individual MENA countries, the report also compares their performance to that of the GCC, non-gcc, middle income, and high income countries. In this way, the report provides a baseline for the business environment situation in the MENA region with the intention of yearly update. A Business Environment Index constitutes the foundation of the report. It combines several individual indicators into five policy areas: > > Institutions > > Infrastructure > > Access to finance > > Innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital > > Market sophistication 9

FORMALIZING THE AE-NETWORK IN 2015 BACKGROUND Over the past four years the Arab-EU Network has proven its relevance by developing common policy positions to difficult problems. A range of policy positions targeting important and often sensitive barriers to trade with the EU have been developed by members. Moreover, the network members have developed close relations and concrete spillovers are now starting to emerge. Contracts to promote trade are won, member service and policy efforts in one chamber are inspiring another, and concrete business opportunities are materialized. Hitherto, the network has been purely donor funded. However, this funding is required gradually reduced and local ownership increased in turn. Therefore, the proposal was made to formalize the network locally in the MENA region through the establishment of a secretariat with one of the AE members. This formalization will entail local embeddedness, increased local ownership, and reduction in donor finance. Moreover, it will ensure that the network s positions and strategies are implemented and that the close relations are being further explored. Formalizing the AE-network Increased access to the EU market Participation in network activities Increased access to other MENA markets Access to database funding opportunities Access to information and training materials Access to database on potential partners Policy coordination and increased leverage in public affairs Access to research on best-practice on key issues BENEFITS COSTS Investment of staff time and resources Membership fees Travel expences 10

AGREED FUTURE STRUCTURE During an iterative process in the last part of 2013 and the first half of 2014 the network decided that a logistical secretariat fully funded by DI will be placed with Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) in Amman. A road map has been developed and it will be up and running by 1st of January 2015. The secretariat will support activities and assist the network partners in logistical issues and in implementing more initiatives. It will be servicing the coordination of the network, while DI and all the partners are focused on the policy and trade promotion content. DI will continue its role as project director overseeing the work of the secretariat. Ms. Hiba Abu Taleb from JCI has been appointed as Head of Secretariat and will be responsible for organizing the network activities incl. travel and accommodation, as well as follow up on implementation of activities and communication issues. Moreover, every other meeting will be held in Jordan. JCI will be hosting the AE secretariat from 1st of January 2015. The agreement between DI and JCI was signed by Niels Tanderup Kristensen and Dr. Maher Al-Mahrouq on 16th of December in Amman in the presence of JCI Chairman Mr. Hatahet. In 2015 the network will still be funded by The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a cost friendly structure is being developed for 2016 and beyond. Road map for the formalization & the Network s main activities 2014 2015 > > Best practice sharing on SMEs > > Gap analysis on VET > > MENA Benchmark report > > AE Secretariat establishment with JCI in Amman > > International service catalogue > > B2B platform > > MENA Benmark Report vol. 2.0 11

THEME CHAPTER: SPARKING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE MENA REGION The vast unemployment and especially youth unemployment across the MENA region constitutes and important challenges to the AE members. Entrepreneurship is generally seen as an instrumental remedy to this challenge. The large young talent mass and the increasing technological development in the region provides a unique platform sparking entrepreneurship and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. Each of the AE members work to promote and support entrepreneurial activities in their respective countries, but the Startup MENA initiative was established in the beginning of 2014 with this dedicated focus. Startup MENA is a partner to the AE Network and consequently, this theme chapter aims at illustrating the activities. WHAT IS THE STARTUP MENA CONCEPT? Startup MENA builds on the important progress made by existing actors and helps boost the entrepreneurial developments already in place. It consist of a series of premium entrepreneurial workshops and events for MENA startups and entrepreneurs. Startup MENA is a bottom-up initiative with local focus, regional impact and international outlook. Startup MENA is positioned alongside other startup initiatives and contributes to the existing ecosystem by filling out the gaps, bridging connections to Europe and providing access to top-notch international mentors, investors and corporates. In order to become a success and generate real value to the community Startup MENA has focused intensely on building a local presence, through dialogue with local entrepreneurs and other startup organizations. It is the mantra of Startup MENA that in order to best help building entrepreneurs and the ecosystem as a whole, one must understand the current needs, be able to constantly adapt and keep a high level of transparency. As a result of this approach, Startup MENA has gained large credibility on the ground. 12

By engaging with key players in the ecosystem, Startup MENA produces tailored workshops and events for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs that can deliver the value they need. This is done in three different ways: 1 By providing premium learning workshops and events that leverages the knowledge and engagement of the local ecosystem; 2 By providing specialized knowledge, through inviting high-profile international mentors and investors to the region; 3 By building bridges between corporates and startups in the region Startup MENA can thus ensure a fast and steady learning curve for entrepreneurs and maximum value creation for the ecosystem. Startup MENA is engaging with key partners in the region to expand relations and collaboration. The current relations with Rise Up Egypt, GrEEK Campus and American University of Cairo are essential and valuable partnerships that enable Startup MENA to have direct contact with the best entrepreneurs in the ecosystem and to host event in the center of the entrepreneurial hubs. 13

The competences to roll out an ambitious set of events in the region are accumulated in VentureScout and the Confederation of Danish Industry. VentureScout is a consultancy firm specialized in scouting startups and helping large corporates with open innovation and engagement with startups. VentureScout builds on consolidated knowledge and best practices from its sister companies Rainmaking, a startup factory and Startupbootcamp, Europe s largest accelerator. ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR Since the launch in February 2014 Startup MENA has held 14 successful events in Cairo, Egypt. The events have attracted +450 entrepreneurs from all over the country. Furthermore, over 63 valuable partnerships have been established. The initiative has, according to the rest of the ecosystem, become one of the most significant and valuable Enablers in Egypt, inspiring new formats and discussions around the development of entrepreneurs in the region. The events have attracted regional interest from investors and startup organizations such as MENA Apps and Oasis500, as well as international interest from investors in Europe such as Hoxton Ventures. The combination of offline and online engagement has furthermore provided Startup MENA with a credible, recognizable brand. 14

SUCCESSFUL EVENTS HELD IN CAIRO Below are short descriptions of some of the events held in 2014 in Cairo, Egypt. > INVESTMENT LAB (APRIL 2014) In order to provide insights into term sheet negotiations, Startup MENA hosted a live negotiation in front of 150 entrepreneurs. This new way of making term sheet negotiations transparent, had never before been done in Egypt, and was a big eye-opener for the entrepreneurial audience. Finally a startup event with substance! Hanan Yousef, OTVentures > CREATE48EDTECH (APRIL 2014) In the beginning of April Startup MENA invited 100 students and entrepreneurs and 20 mentors to GrEEK Campus for a 48-hour hackathon on Education Technology. With the objective to disrupt existing education formats in MENA, several technical solutions were presented on the last day. Of the participating teams, 8 out of 11 wanted to pursue their idea into commercialisation. The winning team, Interact, has since then grown and has been invited to UC Berkely to represent the MENA region in the Intel Global competition. > INVESTOR LOUNGE (MAY 2014 AND OCTOBER 2014) Through an application process 10 local startups were selected to pitch in front of international and local investors. Hoxton Ventures and Point Nine Capital joined Startup MENA from Berlin and London. This is one of the first times European investors have met with Egyptian startups. Key local angels and venture capital investors like Abraaj and Sawari Ventures were also present. In an exclusive setting, the investors provided the startups with valuable feedback after the pitching session. Tellus won the main 15

prize of 2000. As a result of the event one of the pitching startups, Engezni, received funding from Oasis500 and was enrolled into their acceleration program in Amman. Another, ElWafeyat received $100.000 investment from 500Startups in the US. In October s Startup MENA hosted Investor Lounge as part of RISEUP Summit, Egypt s biggest entrepreneurship conference. At the event five of Egypt s best startups with international potential presented in front of 40 investors from both US, Europe and MENA. Zex won the 2000 prize for the best pitch. Both Investor Lounge events got regional coverage from newspapers and television. It s good to see local players and initiatives like Startup MENA team up to educate founders and drive the ecosystem forward. Nicolas Wittenborn, Point Nine Capital The level of knowledge from mentors and investors was beyond any events we have attended in Egypt. Moataz Kotb, Founder at Zex > GEARUP SESSIONS (JUNE NOVEMBER 2014) 20 startups were selected to go through six intensive mini-accelerator workshops each focusing on essential startup topics: Building a Team, LEAN Methodology, Marketing & Sales, Business Development, Legal & Term Sheet. By inviting local and international experts the aim was to provide the teams with new and improved skills they could actively apply to their business. Startup MENA brought a selection of skilled mentors from Europe and Egypt to join the sessions and the teams have been evolving significantly over the program. Startup MENA proved to be an invaluable source of knowledge to our team. As well, it s a boost for your confidence as an entrepreneur and it makes you feel part of the startup family in Egypt. Mohamed Hamada, Founder at Ennota 16

> STARTUP MENA AS INITIATOR & CONTRIBUTOR Startup MENA has introduced the community to new formats (such as Investment Lab) and content both offline and online. As such Startup MENA inspires the startup organizations to rethink how they share and transfer knowledge. Furthermore, it has contributed to discussions on how to move the ecosystem forward. The social media activity reflects the transparency and engagement with the direct users on a daily basis. The input gained from this interaction is incorporated into the overall strategic execution of events. A great achievement on Twitter is that @startupmena is now tagged on Twitter whenever there are discussions revolving around entrepreneurship in the MENA region. > MEDIA COVERAGE Startup MENA has been covered by tech-magazines such as The Next Web and the regional entrepreneurial media platform Wamda. Furthermore, Startup MENA has appeared on live Television and acted in three panels at Arabnet in Dubai, Euromed and RISEUP Summit in Cairo. Startup MENA also shares their entrepreneurial experience from a Danish perspective in Trendsonline, the Danish news platform for entrepreneurs. LOOKING AHEAD In 2015 activities and presence will continue in Egypt. With objectives to stimulate more investment and thereby boosting more parts of the ecosystem - efforts to raise funding to educate new angels in a so-called Angels Bootcamp have been initiated alongside a selection of local partners. The impact that Startup MENA has been able to create during 2014 has been highly valuable to the ecosystem in Egypt. Because of the successful entry to the region and the established relations with key partners, it is a natural step to take the initiative into more countries in the region. In 2015 the mission is to enter new startup ecosystems in the region with Startup MENA. 17

PERSPECTIVES As we leave the financial crisis behind us in Europe and the political and economic situation in the Arab speaking world is finding new equilibria, the role of trans-regional cooperation to spur economic growth and political freedoms becomes even more important. To sustain such development, our countries must integrate further into the world economy. We only grow when we import ideas, technologies and know-how from each other, or when we prioritize exports on the basis of whatever we are good at producing. At the end of the day, there are far more customers outside our country than in it. Trade, in other words, is an important ingredient for growth. Growth also depends on other ingredients, such as the ability of the market to allocate resources by a supply and demand mechanism. By minimizing distortions and limiting the use of publicly financed subsidies or by protecting property rights, so that investors are confident they will be able to retain their assets is one important commitment to make. This requires both capable business organizations and committed, credible, and capable governments. Facilitating reform to support economic growth is an overarching priority of the AE Network. It requires decades-long commitment, a credible vision which is well communicated, and the building of consensus around reform. This is a very important point. Reform is typically painful at the beginning, but in the long run it is a win-win situation. That is why we in the AE Network, for 2015 and the years to come, will continue to promote market reforms, pursue regional integration, and push for economic and political progress. We believe that the initiatives of the AE Network in 2015 will further our vision. With a permanent secretariat in Amman, an international service catalogue, and an online regional B2B platform that connects our companies, we are on the right track. 18

ABOUT THE AE-NETWORK The Arab-EU Business Facilitation Network is an alliance of 15 leading Business Membership Organizations (BMOs) from the MENA region. Through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, the BMOs have pledged to work strategically together, promoting relevant policy issues within and between their respective countries. The purpose of the Network is to create a platform from which business associations from the region can discuss the challenges for businesses and identify shared solutions and policy recommendations. A specific emphasis is on improving access to the EU market for businesses in the region. Thus, the Network will contribute to a more enabling business environment for the benefit of growth and development in general. Several times a year on working group meetings and on the Annual Meeting the participants meet to discuss the outcomes and prospects of the projects in the AE-Network. All summaries of the meetings as well as Annual Reports can be found on the AE-network s webpage. > VISIT US AT AE-NETWORK.COM Contact information Karen Panum Thisted, Consultant Email: kapt@di.dk Tel: +45 3377 3726 Confederation of Danish Industry H.C. Andersens Boulevard 18 DK-1787 Copenhagen V Denmark di.dk 19

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS IN THE AE-NETWORK ALGERIA Forum des Chefs des Entreprises (FCE) fce.dz EGYPT Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI) fei.org.eg JORDAN Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) jci.org.jo LEBANON Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI) ali.org.lb LIBYA Libyan Businessmen Council (LBC) lbc.ly/english MOROCCO Confédération Générale des Entreprises du Maroc (CGEM) cgem.ma PALESTINE Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (FPCCIA) pal-chambers.org SYRIA Damascus Chamber of Industry (DCI) dci-syria.org TUNISIA Union Tunisienne de l Industrie, du Commerce et de l Artisanat (UTICA) utica.org.tn THE GCC UMBRELLA ORGANISATION Federation of GCC Chambers fgccc.org/en BAHRAIN Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) bbci.bh/en KUWAIT Kuwait Chamber of Commerce (KCCI) kuwaitchamber.org.kw OMAN Oman Chambers of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) chamberoman.com SAUDI ARABIA Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) csc.org.sa UAE Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry sharjah.gov.ae/en QATAR Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry qatarchamber.com Facilitator: DENMARK The Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) di.dk 20