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MENA Business and Civil Society Leaders to Convene in Istanbul

DUBAI - Over 200 prominent entrepreneurs, executives and civil society leaders who have completed the Middle East Entrepreneur Training, or MEET, programme will gather in Istanbul from August 4 to 5 for continued training and networking.

MEET is funded by the US Department of State Middle East Partnership Initiative and presented by the Entrepreneur Development Programme at the Rady School of Management, University of California, San Diego.

The MEET alumni conference, titled “New Strategies for Turbulent Times,” will focus on the importance of regional economic integration. Participants will examine ways to build trade and develop global markets to survive the economic downturn. The event includes sessions led by MEET alumni and American entrepreneurs on industry-specific issues and a panel discussion of alumni success stories. Featured speakers include Peter Cowhey, Senior Counselor at the Office of the United States Trade Representative and Madelyn Spirnak, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs at the US Department of State.

Now in its fifth year, the MEET programme has trained over 395 of the most promising and talented leaders in the Middle East and North Africa, or MENA, region. Today, these individuals are forming partnerships, starting new ventures and seeking peer support through offerings such as alumni reunion events and the MEET Alumni Network Web site, a Press statement said. Since completing MEET training, alumni have created nearly 3,500 jobs and 700 new businesses.

MEET targets entrepreneurs, senior executives and younger managers in growth companies from 18 countries and territories. MEET programmes feature interactive sessions led by university faculty and business leaders, as well as networking opportunities and site visits to successful companies. 


business@khaleejtimes.com