Page 54 - ECI PR REPORT JANUARY 2025

1/29/25, 9:04 AM Etihad Credit Insurance hosts a workshop for companies selected to join Xport Xponential initiative
of domestic non-oil goods, which will help diversify the UAE economy and strengthen its
competitive edge at both regional and global levels.

As the workshop progressed, Dr. Yasar Jarrar, Managing Partner, Gov Campus, Author, and

Professor (Hult International Business School), spoke about the growth trajectory of small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE. Followed by a presentation from Mahesh

Kumar, Vice President of Trade Finance at Emirates Development Bank (EDB), who delivered
a session titled, ‘Trade And Working Capital Products - Value Proposition.’

During a virtual session, Haitham Al Khazaleh, Head Middle East and Africa, Director Public
Sector Solutions at Swiss Re Management Ltd., highlighted the role of re-insurance

supporting Export Credit Agencies. This was followed by a session on risk assessment of key
export markets, during which Robert Besseling, CEO and Founder of PANGEA-RISK, shared

insights on the Export Opportunity for the UAE.

The sessions proceeded with Andreas Klasen, Strategy Advisor and Professor of International
Business at Oxford HRA, addressing the audience about the importance of empowering

global trade, and the role of ECAs in sustainable export growth.

Shaima Alaydarous, Director of Negotiations and International Organizations Department at
the Ministry of Economy, led a strategic discussion about the importance of Comprehensive

Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) in supporting exporters and importers in the UAE
market, as well as strengthening the UAE's trade relations with key regional and global
markets. Meanwhile, Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi, Director of International Financial Relations

and Organizations at the Ministry of Finance, pointed out the significance of Bilateral
Investment Treaties, followed by a session on the legal aspects of trade, where Michael

Morris, Partner at Clyde and Co. and Rebekah Jones, Senior Associate at Clyde and Co.
discussed the legal challenges affecting international trade. In addition, Christopher Hanning,

Head of Trade Asset Distribution at DP World Trade Finance, led a session titled ‘Bridging the
Trade Finance Gap the DP World Way,’ followed by closing remarks from H.E. Raja Al

Mazrouei to conclude the workshop.

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