Unique hybrid event unites leaders and practitioners of global trade facilitation programmes
The International Chamber of Commerce, United Arab Emirates (ICC UAE) organised the ‘Global Trade Facilitation Summit 2022’ for international trade, finance and business professionals to re-connect as the world emerges from the pandemic and to turn challenges into opportunities.
Integrated with Expo 2020 Dubai the hybrid summit was attended in-person by 270 delegates at the Dubai Chamber auditorium, while 1,272 delegates from over 72 countries participated virtually.
The week-long summit brought the leaders of global trade facilitation programmes together, with the core agenda being driven by interactions surrounding the work of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), ICC UAE said in a press communique.
Key MDBs at the summit included: Asian Development Bank (ADB), Afreximbank, African Development Bank (AfDB), European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC – Private Sector Arm of World Bank), and International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).
In a panel session moderated by a World Trade Organisation (WTO) representative, the MDBs outlined how their respective trade facilitation progammes are helping emerging markets trade their way back to recovery.
Participants at the summit gained unique insights into trends, developments, legal and technical issues impacting global trade and finance, while discussions on supply chain challenges, digitalisation and sustainability were substantive elements of the summit.
Value proposition
“The summit, organised at this critical time for the trade community, brought together leaders and practitioners in the facilitation of international trade and finance. It is inspiring to see so many countries join hands with focus and determination to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere, the central value proposition of the ICC,” affirmed Humaid Ben Salem, Chairman, ICC UAE
“The trade facilitation programmes of the Multilateral Development Banks played a huge role in keeping supply chains moving during the pandemic, with all of them increasing the level of their trade finance supports,” asserted Hassan Al Hashemi, Secretary General, ICC UAE.
A key element of the event was ‘The ICC Digital Challenge – show me what you’ve got!’, where fintech companies competed for the award of Best Digital Showcase of the Global Trade Facilitation Summit 2022.
Traydstream was declared the winner by a panel of judges, based on its innovative solutions to optimise workflow and management of electronic and paper documents in international trade and finance. “We have lived up to the theme of the summit: Connect the Trade World and Shape the Future,” noted Vincent O’Brien, Director, ICC UAE.
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