Articles

Rousing Start to Brand USA 2008

Wednesday, November 12, 2008
(Source: Kuwait Times) By Munifah Akasha, Kuwait Times

Nov. 12--KUWAIT -- The American Business Council of Kuwait (ABC-K) launched Brand USA 2008 yesterday. Brand USA is a trade show aimed at introducing and promoting American business among American and Kuwaiti businessmen. US Ambassador Deborah K Jones and the Director of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah inaugurated the trade show. Both officials praised Kuwaiti-US bilateral relations and both expressed their satisfaction over the amazing speed at which these bilateral re lations have strengthened. The trade show is currently being held at the Salwa Al-Sabah Hall, opposite Marina Mall, and will continue until Thursday, November 11 2008.

In a speech directed to the press, US Ambassador Jones stated that the American Business Council has done a "terrific job," as the trade show's organizers and promoters managed to put together an impressive array of the finest American brands. Moreover, Ambassador Jones expressed her pleasure at ABC-K's recognition of American brands in Kuwait and pointed out her desire to see an additional increase in American-Kuwaiti business ties.
Following Ambassador Jones' speech, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Rasheed Al-Tabtabaei also addressed the press, highlighting how proud he was of the products exhibited at Brand USA 2008 and the strong economic relationship between Kuwait and the US. Al-Tabtabaei pointed out the tremendous amount of growth that these relations have experienced in the last three years, and more importantly, stressed the vitality of signing a Free Trade Agreement with the United States.

Visitors and guests went from booth-to-booth examining what each company had to offer. "Kuwaiti consumers appreciate value and quality," said Consular for Commercial Affairs of the Embassy of the United States of America Nancy Charles-Parker, adding, "As a result, Kuwaiti consumers in general like American brands. This is the best time to conduct business as American products are at their best value. Two-way trade between Kuwait and the US amounts to $10 billion. The trade show exhibits a good range of Ame rican products, from food, to cars to sophisticated medical supplies such as MRIs and X-rays.

The trade show's main aims are to expose American brands and create awareness, as well as attract more Kuwaiti businessmen to participate at ABC-K, Charles-Parker clarified. Becoming a member of ABC-K is not limited to American companies; Kuwaiti companies with links to American companies should become members of ABC-K as this allows them to participate in the many events that the council holds. Upcoming events include seminars and focus groups. "A defense focus group will start meeting in January; this group will allow companies related to this sector to come together and share expertise," she added.

One of the most impressive booths at the show was the one put up by Al-Mulla and Behbehani Motor Co. "Al-Mulla and Behbehani Motor Company just signed a tender that will supply the Ministry of Interior with 150 Dodge Charger police cars," said General Manager of Al-Mulla and Behbehani group Chris Henderson, pointing out that the group will also train police mechanics to work on the brand new cars. Customer satisfaction and excellent service comes before everything else, Henderson stressed, pointing out th at this is exactly what the company focuses on. When tested for customer satisfaction Al-Mulla and Behbehani Motor Company scored 98 percent.

Our company offers 100 percent North American brands," Henderson pointed out, adding that the company's main aim at participating at this event is the building of a solid platform from which to expand their fleet's business. "Chrylser, Jeep and Dodge are knocking on their competitors' doors," Henderson explained. Since the year 2006 there has been a 20 percent growth in sales year on year. "Kuwait has the highest market share in the GCC," Henderson informed the Kuwait Times. "Al-Mulla and Behbehani Motor Company is an exciting place to work and in opposition to the financial crisis that is hitting the rest of the world we have actually created jobs for more than 100 people.

From cars to motorbikes, the representatives of Harley Davidson Kuwait also had their own booth, equipped with real motorcycles. "Harley Davidson is an American brand and we provide our best services to Kuwaitis and Americans. Harley Davidson is attending the trade show to promote our brand and support the ABC-K," said Operations Manager Jason Nicol.

Hassan's Opticians, which was the first optical store to open in Kuwait in 1951 also participated in the trade show and was one of the show's sponsors, alongside the Kuwait Times and Al-Mulla and Behbehani Motor Co. "We're participating in the show in order to raise awareness about our prescription industrial safety glasses," stated Rhoda Santiago Safety Department Manager at Hassan's. "We are the first company in Kuwait to provide prescription industrially-safe lenses which are manufactured in America. We also carry many other American brands, like Oakley's and Bausch and Lomb. Our main aim in this trade show is to introduce our new line of industrial safety glasses and meet American companies that will be interested in what we have to offer," he enthused.

Speaking to the Kuwait Times, Chairman of the American Business Council Luis Suarez expressed the main aim of the trade show by stating that "trade between nations fosters progress, power, and prosperity for both sides. ABC-K is thrilled because it has garnered support from both the Kuwaiti government as well as American and Kuwaiti business leaders." "It is important for Americans to understand that one out of ten Americans owe their jobs to the export sector. Exporting goods creates jobs and helps in the sharing of technologies and services," he explained.

Moving to the security sector, Maria Kahar, Business Development of Marafie Kuwaitia, a company specialized in providing security services, maintained that the company's main goal in attending the trade show is centered on promoting customer awareness. "Almost all the employees at Marafie Kuwaitia are former US Marines and British Army personnel. They are very experienced in the security sector and are very familiar with the standards required by such companies. Marafie Kuwaitia would like to build a rappo rt with other businesses attending this trade show," she added.

Education plays a big part in the lives of many Kuwaitis and American residents. The trade show also included representatives from the American University of Kuwait (AUK). Maher Dabbouseh Director of Admissions explained that AUK hopes to spread awareness about the programs it offers at the trade show. "AUK opened in 2004 and yet we have reached almost full capacity," Dabbouseh stated. In addition, Dabbouseh revealed to the Kuwait Times that AUK will start offering graduate programs very soon.

Shifting from products to humanitarian services, Director of the Fundraising of Animal Friends League of Kuwait Thomas Joseph shed light on the organization's aims and goals. "Animal Friends League of Kuwait is not just a rescue shelter but also a fighter for animal rights in Kuwait. We provide community outreach programs. Additionally, we operate a dive team that takes care of the Kuwaiti coral reef." "Kuwait is the second largest importer of animals in the world, and so we need to create legislation to i mprove the standard of importing animals as well," he explained.

Finally, Operation Hope Kuwait had an impressive presence at the trade show as well. Their participation is geared at promoting awareness for their cause. "We are here to introduce ourselves to our Kuwaiti community and ask them to join us in our endeavor," stated Sheryll Mairza, Founder and Director of Operation Hope. A large number of American companies and businesses in Kuwait are participating in Brand USA 2008. Companies attending the trade show are: Abdul Aziz Al-Rashed Sons Company, Al-Mulla Behbeha ni Motor Company, Al-Mulla International Exchange-Western Union, Al Olayan General Trading Company, American General Trading, American University of Kuwait, Animal Friends League of Kuwait, Apache Photography, Bahrah Trading Company, Commercial Bank Of Kuwait, Dnata, Dunkin Donuts, Harley Davidson of Kuwait, Hassan's Opticians, Intercontinental Group of Hotels, Kuwait Times, Kuwait Transcontinental Shipping, Kuwait Customs, Marafie Kuwaitia, Otis Elevator Company Kuwait, Qatar Airways, Quaker Oats, Union Trading Company, and United Airlines. The trade show is sponsored by the Kuwait Times, Al-Mulla and Behbehani, and Hassan's Opticians.

ABCK marks 26th anniversary alongside 50/20 celebrations

Published Date: March 01, 2011
(Source: Kuwait Times) by Velina Nacheva, Staff Writer

KUWAIT: The American Business Council of Kuwait (ABCK), the organization operating under the auspices of the US embassy in Kuwait's commercial section, on Sunday evening held a gala dinner to jointly mark the 26th anniversary of its founding and the 50th and 20th anniversaries of Kuwait's independence and liberation respectively. The black-tie event which took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, was attended by local and foreign dignitaries, long-term residents of Kuwait, ABCK members and numerous other guests.

ABCK Chairman Gregg Stevens opened the celebration with a short welcoming address, after which the next speaker, Ambassador of the US to Kuwait Deborah K Jones reflected on the "depth of the US relationship with Kuwait" and on the "momentous events taking place in the broader Near East region." Reflecting on recent events in the region, the ambassador began by saying, "We are truly living in exciting and challenging times." She stressed that all citizens "have a responsibility to be reasonable and responsive, and to work within existing institutions to promote positive change.

Ambassador Jones said that social media, such as Twitter and Facebook are "very effective tools for the rapid-fire sharing of news, compiling complaints and for organizing protests, but they do not and cannot in and of themselves bring solutions to the very real and complex challenges of creating economic opportunities, providing jobs or housing, or strengthening the institutions that are the framework for civil society. That foundational spadework requires patience, and a great deal of effort and compromise and a lot of efforts from businesses such as those you [the ABCK] represent.

Kuwait is "fortunate in that it is blessed with strong institutions - a real Constitution which serves as the foundational document for the state, a vibrant civil society rooted in the diwaniya culture, an open press, and an active and often outspoken parliament," she stressed. In the past, said the ambassador, some people have criticized some or all of these things for impeding progress; "no doubt those views are being re-examined in light of recent events - yesterday's liability is increasingly becoming today's asset.

She reflected on the long history of US - Kuwait relationship which date back to 1911 when Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, founder of the modern Kuwaiti state, invited the Reformed Church of America to establish Kuwait's first medical center.

Historically, for many years our relationship with Kuwait centered on commerce and development, while our cooperation in security has grown in more recent years. Looking ahead at the next fifty years, we want our economic ties to match and mirror the strength of our solid bilateral security relationship," she said.

Stressing that US car giant General Motors and Kuwait have partnered for over 60 years she noted that the world's current largest and most advanced GM service center is in Kuwait. In fact, she observed, Kuwait has broken numerous GM records (including the most Envoy SUVs sold between 2002 and 2006).

Jones further mentioned Ford Company's presence in Kuwait since 1952, stressing that Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are Ford's biggest Middle Eastern markets. Reflecting on the commercial relationship between the US and Kuwait, she also revealed that the Sheraton Hotel in Kuwait, built in 1966, was the now-global American hotel group's first venture outside the US.

GE has been partnered with the Kuwaiti government and private sector in infrastructure, power, and water projects for over 30 years," she went on, adding, "The US and Kuwait have shared interests, based not only on ensuring regional peace and security, but also in pursuing mutual prosperity and regional prosperity.

Ambassador Jones further revealed that last year, trade between the two countries rebounded from the earlier global crisis, saying that the value of US exports to Kuwait in that period was estimated at $2.8 billion, with the value of Kuwaiti exports to the US in the same period reaching $5.4 billion, most of this in the form of petroleum products.

The ambassador attributed the credit for these impressive achievements to the private sector, "whether it is the US companies that produce high quality goods and services or their Kuwaiti partners that seek out the best products and services both for Kuwait's domestic market and more broadly.

She continued, "I am always struck, for example, by how much Kuwaitis invest overseas [around $36 billion in the four years up through 2009 according to UN figures]. This gives our businesses the opportunity to partner, not only in Kuwait but worldwide".

Explaining that in her capacity as American ambassador she is charged with promoting US businesses - "a job I enjoy" - Jones added, "I happen to believe that US products are not only high-quality, but come with a package of honest and best business practices. It's a culture.

Taking the point further, Jones explained that last year, President Obama launched the National Export Initiative - a new initiative that aims to double US exports worldwide over a period of five years. "Coincidentally, of course, Kuwait's parliament also passed a four-year KD30 billion development plan with a goal of diversifying the country away from a dependence on oil, which makes up around half of Kuwait's GDP and around 95 percent of government revenues and exports.

Adding that she has a strong interest in the prospects for increasing America's export opportunities to Kuwait and in having US companies participate in Kuwait's development plan, Ambassador Jones said that US companies "have the technology, technical and management expertise, and project implementation skills that would help Kuwait meet the objectives of its development plan.

She continued, "Kuwaitis, both in the public and the private sector, have welcomed US company participation, so I encourage you and the companies you represent to look everywhere for those opportunities.

Still on the subject of the development plan, the ambassador said, "Although there has been a vigorous debate about the extent of the implementation of the plan and Kuwaiti economic reform more broadly, we have seen progress both in infrastructure building and in reforms such as the creation of an independent capital markets authority.

Reflecting on queries from US and Kuwaiti companies about the challenges of doing business in Kuwait, she referred to Kuwait's 74th place ranking globally and final placing in the GCC region in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report. "If you break down the rankings, Kuwait ranks 141st out of 183 countries in ease of starting a business, and 114th in enforcing contracts. These are all things we've discussed with the various branches of government," she went on, explaining that the current IPR legislation is not compliant with the requirements of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) TRIPS Agreement.

Focusing on the positive aspects of doing business in Kuwait she said that Kuwait has an educated population and an entrepreneurial history that are second to none. "I am consistently struck by the quality and the drive of the Kuwaitis that I meet," she said, adding that economic reform which unlock this that potential will once again allow Kuwait to play a leading role in the region economically, just as it now does through its vibrant democracy, open media, and civil society," she said.

In the subsequent speech, Abdullah Bishara, former Kuwaiti Ambassador to the UN and former Secretary General of the GCC, talked about Kuwait's history, and its interregional and international relations. Referring to diplomacy as "trade diplomacy" he spoke about the country's various historical periods. The evening concluded with a folk dance performance by a team of dancers from LOYAC, who performed traditional dances from across the region.