Global Arab Network | UK: Middle East Association celebrates 50th Anniversary

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UK: Middle East Association celebrates 50th Anniversary

Global Arab Network - - Hannan Taha

Friday, 13 May 2011 14:21

Global Arab Network - The Middle East Association held a reception to celebrate its 50th Anniversary at Lancaster House, London on Wednesday 11 May, in the presence of Alistair Burt MP, UK Parliamentary Undersecretary of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. The reception, which was held with the generous support of Shell and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), was attended by over 300 members and guests from business, government and public life, including many Arab Ambassadors to London, British Ambassadors to the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, and Members of Parliament, Global Arab Network reports according to a press statement.

“The Middle East Association was founded in 1961 to promote and facilitate trade and to deepen understanding between the UK and the Middle East – an objective which remains the same today,” said Terry Stone, Chairman of the Middle East Association. “The MENA region is a vitally important market for British firms, accounting for almost £15 billion of UK exports in 2010. We will continue to build on our legacy as the leading organisation promoting trade and investment with the region – which is increasingly a two way relationship.”

Alistair Burt MP commented that it had been an “extraordinary” few months in the MENA region, the outcome of which remains uncertain. He highlighted the importance of friendships at a time of uncertainty and the key role of trade and business in expanding economies, promoting prosperity and meeting aspirations.

“The Association plays a key role both in fostering these friendships and relationships and in providing the building blocks to develop new opportunities,” he said. “The revolutions in the Arab world mark the most important change in attitudes this century,” he went on. “The opportunities in the region are huge. This Government and the Association are keen to make the most of these opportunities, working together.”

Charles Hollis, Director General of the Middle East Association, thanked the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Shell, as well as the Association’s members and supporters.

“The wave of change in the region is having an impact on the Association and its members,” he said. “But it underlines the need for an organisation like the Middle East Association; understanding, networks, and expertise are at a premium. We will continue to provide a service that gives real value to members, and to assist and guide British companies in doing business with the region.” Referring to the new UK Trade & Investment Strategy and FCO Charter, he added, “Anything we can do in cooperation with the British Government to promote UK exports, we will do.”

The Middle East Association (MEA) is the UK’s premier organisation for promoting trade and good relations with the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Iran. The MEA is an independent and non-profit making association founded in 1961 and based in London. It represents some 400 large and small companies from all business and industry sectors who together account for the majority of UK trade with the region. The Patron of the Association is HRH The Duke of York, UK Special Representative for International Trade & Investment. The MEA is currently playing a leading role in advising British companies on the implications of the current upheavals in the MENA region.

Global Arab Network

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Last Updated on Friday, 13 May 2011 14:32

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Published comments are the opinions of private individuals and do not reflect the views of Global Arab Network