Event report
Strengthening EU-GCC Connectivity for a Sustainable Future: 8th Business Forum
CCI France Qatar was delighted to contribute to the success of the 8th EU-GCC Business Forum, held in Doha on November 28th, 2024.
This landmark event brought together influential leaders and visionaries to shape the future of collaboration between the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—two regions united by shared aspirations for sustainable growth and innovation.
The forum began with inspiring opening remarks from distinguished dignitaries:
🔹 H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed – Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs
🔹 H.E. Mr. Luigi Di Maio – EU Special Representative for the Gulf
🔹 H.E. Mr. Hamad Almulla – Head of Negotiations and Strategic Dialogue Affairs Division, GCC
🔹 H.E. Dr. Cristian Tudor, Ph.D. – Ambassador of the European Union to the State of Qatar
We extend our gratitude to Dr. Muhammad Mustafa, Regional Director – Mobility & Planning Middle East & South Asia, Egis in the Middle East, for moderating the first panel on Innovations in Transport & Logistics, which featured Mr. Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, Former Minister for Transport in France and Managing Partner at Magellim Infrastructure, as a speaker.
The second panel on New Approaches for a Sustainable Economy showcased thought-provoking insights, including those from Mr. Alex Kosmas, Head of International Cooperation, Airbus Middle East & Africa, who shared a precise vision of the aviation industry's roadmap for addressing environmental challenges.
Another key moment was when Mr. Damien Rizzi, Regional Director – Advisory, Middle East & South Asia at Egis in the Middle East, shared his insights during the third panel. He discussed his experience with large-scale cultural and tourism projects in the GCC, including initiatives to develop major tourist destinations like AlUla. He highlighted the crucial need for early stakeholder engagement and stressed the importance of local recruitment in ensuring the success of these projects. His comments underscored how hiring local talent is vital for the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector across the GCC region.
This forum underscored the immense potential of partnerships between the EU and GCC, highlighting opportunities for progress in trade, sustainability, and strategic alliances.
