The ABCK – AmCham Kuwait held an Informational Session and Speed Networking Event, attended by several AmCham Members, Business Councils, and Friends. The event started with the opening remarks by AmCham Kuwait’s Chairman – Pete Swift and AmCham Kuwait’s Vice-Chair- Dr. Arezou Harraf who welcomed participants and gave a special welcome to the new U.S. Embassy’s Senior Commercial Officer – Eric Podzorski, who recently arrived in Kuwait.
Swift opened the session with an explanation of AmCham Kuwait’s mission and vision to promote and increase awareness of American businesses, services/products, enhance business relationships between the United States and Kuwait, and provide a forum in which members can share best business practices and expertise. Swift mentioned that AmChams bring regional and global awareness on the importance of collaboration amongst the private sector and the government sector through which country relations can be enhanced.
Swift spoke about AmCham Kuwait’s scopes which are: Advocacy, Networking, Marketing, and Information. He said that “We advocate by organizing round-table discussions, industry-specific focus groups, and provide a platform for members to have a voice”. Swift explained that Networking gives the members the opportunities to engage in Business-to-Business discussions, engage with industry leaders, expand their business network, and reach out to local businesses for partnerships and collaborations.
He also mentioned that AmCham Kuwait’s marketing efforts are aimed at high exposure, recognition, and tangible benefits for our member companies. These are done through our monthly newsletter and social media by promoting Members' products/services/initiatives and businesses throughout all of the social media platforms. AmCham Kuwait also partners with Members for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and collaborates with member companies on different industry-based webinars and other business enhancement initiatives. Swift finalized his presentation by discussing the information provided to AmCham’s network, as it involves important aspects of doing business in Kuwait and other key updates to specific sectors through its Focus Groups.
Following Swift’s presentation, Dr. Harraf spoke in-depth about the benefits and requirements for individuals, Small Enterprises, Corporate Members, and Chairman’s Club Members. She also highlighted a new recognition which is given to companies who have partnered with AmCham Kuwait through strong involvement and support, and these are recognized as Champions. AmCham Kuwait’s current Champions are GOFSCO, Lockheed Martin, and KGL.
To finalize, AmCham Kuwait closed the discussion with a virtual speed networking event in which participants were randomly assigned to break-out rooms of 4 people for eight minutes, and these rooms are changed after the time has passed in order to allow participants to meet several people throughout the hour.