Under the umbrella of the Arab-Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program, three IsDB Group Private Sector Entities hosted a webinar on key trade finance and investment components aimed at fostering regional trade.

The entities included the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) and the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) in collaboration with IsDB Group Business Forum “THIQAH”.

Over 1,000 development institutions, sovereign funds, banks, investment and private equity companies, and key government and corporate sector representatives were in attendance.

The event, which focused on the investment, trade and insurance pillars of the AATB program showcased potential business opportunities existing between the two regions particularly in key industries such as agro-food, health and pharmaceutical, building and construction materials and equipment, as well as machinery and electrical equipment.

Projects and activities involving the growth of trade related investment and knowledge and technology transfer between the Arab and African countries were explored with the aim of growing AATB member base.

The webinar was inaugurated with keynote speeches from Mr. Oussama Kaissi, Chief Executive Officer of the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), Mr. Ayman Sejiny, Chief Executive Officer of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, Chief Executive Officer of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

Key outcomes from this session noted considerable progress in terms of launching and implementing the projects involving the growth of trade investment and technology transfer between Arab and African countries.

The session also addressed the key challenges limiting the business community and concerned trade and investment authorities of the countries in both regions by nurturing an environment where the parties can benefit from the opportunities that exist. 

In his opening address, Mr. Oussama Kaissi, said: “Despite the tragedy presented by the pandemic, these unprecedented times have brought development institutions together to seek solutions and encourage innovation, teaching us that the best way forward is together.

“ICIEC believes that through the AATB program, our multilateral efforts can enhance pandemic responses, capacity building efforts, and economic security, providing the citizens of Arab and African countries the knowledge and materials to build a better future.”

Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, corroborated the sentiment, saying: “Since its launch in 2017, AATB has become the foremost platform in driving trade between the Arab and African regions, with important initiatives that strengthen growth and prosperity in beneficiary countries.

“The program facilitates financial and technical support for trade and investment-related activities aimed at promoting intra-trade between the regions through specific interventions and dedicated trade finance and investment components”.

“ICD will lead the Investment Pillar of the AATB Program, which aims to mobilize and allocate resources to impactful investments in Arab and African countries including recovery packages to overcome the adverse impacts of Covid-19. In line with our global approach, we aim to expand existing and build new partnerships with financial institutions to design and launch special financial packages for the benefit of member countries under the umbrella of the AATB Program.” said Mr. Ayman Sejiny.

Moderated by Mr. Nasser M. Al-Thekair, General Manager, Trade & Business Development, ITFC, the first session presented by Mr. Syed Quadri, Acting Director, Resilience and Social Development Department in IsDB discussed key features and benefits of the AATB investment pillar to financial institutions and key partner networks.  

A panel discussion on the benefits and features of AATB’s trade, investment and insurance pillars featured key speakers including Mr. Aymen Kasem, Division Manager, Trade Development, Trade & Business Development of ITFC, Mr. Essaied Ben Ahmed, Principle, Infrastructure & Corporate Finance Global Markets & Fixed Income of ICD, and Mr. Ismail Filali Allach, Country Manager, Morocco, Middle East & North Africa Region Division, ICIEC.

AATB is a multi-donor, country and organization program designed to leverage new trade partnerships, strengthen existing ones, and increase trade and investment flows between the Arab and African regions.

At present, its partners and members include IsDB, ITFC, ICIEC, Afreximbank, Arab Bank for Economic Development (BADEA), and OPEC Fund with member country representation consisting of Benin, Cameroon, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, Togo, and Tunisia.