Scheduled for November 21, 2023 in Manama, Bahrain, this forum provides an opportunity for policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and visionaries to explore how to further develop trade opportunities between the EU and the GCC.
Themed “Redefining Economies – Building a Sustainable and Diverse Future,” the forum focuses on collaboration and innovation as key drivers of economic growth, social prosperity and environmental responsibility. As the EU emerges as the GCC’s second largest trading partner and largest investment partner, the forum will explore the vast potential of collective strengths in innovation, renewable energy and the digital economy.
Mr. Michael Hager, Chief of Staff to European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, also responsible for trade, said ahead of the forum: “Total trade in goods between the two regions increased by more than 54% in 2021. to 2022 and reached 175 billion euros, which shows the importance of trade relations between the EU and the GCC. I look forward to opening this year’s edition of our Joint Business Forum, a great opportunity to further collaborate for a sustainable future. The EU is fully committed to working alongside the GCC to achieve our common goals and build a resilient economy.”
The Special Representative of the European Union for the Gulf Region, Mr. Luigi di Maio, expressed his joy at being able to attend the forum: “I am really looking forward to attending the first EU-GCC Business Forum since the beginning of my mandate. . Deepening trade and investment relations between the two regions constitutes a major pillar of our joint efforts towards a strategic partnership with our Gulf partners, as agreed in the joint communication from the European Commission and the High Representative of the EU. I am impressed by the scale of joint business opportunities in the context of different national transformation visions and the recently agreed India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Key topics of the forum will include sustainable energy mix and energy security, circular economy, green logistics and transport, and women’s economic empowerment. The event aims to increase trade and investment opportunities, promote access to new markets, share knowledge and best practices, develop the green economy and encourage SMEs and entrepreneurship.
To register and view the speaker list, please visit https://eugcc.eu/#agenda
