NPM CEO moderates a session on e-commerce barriers and opportunities in GCC at GTR MENA 2021

Dr Karen Remo with Hassan Mikail, Middle East CEO of Shipa E-commerce at GTR MENA 2021

New Perspective Media Group CEO Dr. Karen Remo facilitated a session on top e-commerce barriers and opportunities in GCC at the Global Trade Review Middle East and North Africa (GTR MENA) 2021, the region’s biggest trade finance conference on 22 September 2021.

The special in-person event at Jumeirah Emirates Towers touched upon informative insights on the factors fueling e-commerce growth, crucial tools/frameworks to advance across the highly competitive landscape, as well as Dubai’s key role in harnessing the lucrative African e-commerce market.

The discussion titled “Case study: The rapid rise of e-commerce”, featured Hassan Mikail, Middle East CEO of Shipa E-commerce, on topics revolving around market size disparity amongst regions, barriers in e-commerce revolution, and cross-border logistic issues.

The conference provided an exclusive opportunity for participants to network and connect with experts, industry peers and potential clients, all within a Covid-safe environment in line with the latest government regulations.

Ahmad Sultan Al Haddad, CEO, Park & Zones, DP World, UAE Region, delivered the keynote address at the event. He spoke about celebrating the resilience of international trade following the exhausting challenges of the pandemic. His speech offered a positive vision of the future concerning global trade and the role of the MENA region in providing the necessary impetus for wider international recovery.

Dr. Remo said: “The e-commerce market in the GCC is, as per estimates, set to reach $50 billion by 2025. Businesses should step up and take advantage of this booming business, which has been growing on the back of COVID-spurred digitalisation. However, less than 4 out of 10 SMEs in the UAE have as yet adopted online sales channels, and any smaller players that lack a clear marketing strategy and communication model are at risk of being pushed to the end.”

“To fully view and seize the opportunities on the horizon, it’s vital for SMEs to speak to customers in an effective, targeted manner as well as identify and remove obstacles. New Perspective Media is delighted to have facilitated knowledge-based discussions on the forces that are reshaping the modern online marketplace,” Remo added.

Mikail stated: “We’re at a crucial turning point for e-commerce in the GCC region. At an unprecedented 25% CAGR per month, it’s now one of the world’s fastest-growing online sales markets and we’re still seeing more growth potential in the cross-border segment. A chain of links such as logistics, digital infrastructure, and delivery capabilities forms part of the e-commerce ecosystem. On one hand, any weak link here can break the chain or, at least, damage consumer trust. On the other hand, strengthening the chain can accelerate business, bring many new consumers on board, and increase the average basket size for each purchase of a service or goods. We at Shipa Ecommerce are glad to share our expertise to help unlock e-commerce’s full potential in the region.”

Peter Gubbins, CEO & Founder of Global Trade Review, highlighted: “Global Trade Review is delighted to return to Dubai for GTR MENA 2021, with the goal of uniting the trade and exports sector in the region to learn best practices and approaches to forge a strong path to recovery. This is the first-of-its-kind event in the region to be held in-person since February 2020, and offers an exclusive opportunity for participants to network potential clients and connect with experts and industry peers.”

Dr. Remo was also featured in the opening high-level roundtable in GTR MENA 2021, held virtually in February 2021, where she offered invaluable insights on combating extreme market challenges and future ‘black swan’ events, and protecting supply chains through government support.

NPM Group, the official media partner of GTR MENA 2021, has been championing the global trade industry by building confidence in the sector through various bespoke communications services.

 

Tips for SMEs on how to ensure protection for future risks

The unprecedentedd global economic blow posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has opened our eyes to the importance of getting protection against future risks. For SMEs, experts believe such business coverage is beyond crucial to ensure sustained growth and business continuity, especially as they are the ones that have taken a much harder hit from the impacts of the disease.

Prior to the pandemic, SMEs are constantly already at risk due to their low chances of survival. In the data released by US Bureau of Labour and Statistics, the lifespan of SMEs decreases as the years pass by, from 80 per cent on the first year, to 50 per cent on the fifth year, down to 33 per cent on the 10th year. This means that only about one in three small businesses get to the 10-year mark and live to tell their story.

Despite this, however, the importance of SMEs in the sustainability of the global economy cannot be stressed enough. According to World Bank, SMEs represent about 90 per cent of businesses and more than 50 per cent of employment worldwide. In the UAE, data released by the Ministry of Economy revealed that the SMEs sector represents more than 94 per cent of the total number of companies operating in the country, as well as provides jobs for more than 86 per cent of the private sector’s workforce. These small businesses also make up for about 52 per cent of the country’s non-oil gross domestic product (GDP).

Such figures only reflect the value of SMEs to global trade, a reason their recovery must be put at the focal point of every nation’s economic priority.

To ensure a prosperous comeback and attain a competitive swing in global trade, here are some of the recommendations of Etihad Credit Insurance for SMEs:

 

Protect your cash flow through Trade Credit Insurance (TCI) 

Cash flow interruptions such as payment delays and defaults from key customers can have a big impact on a business; they are at a higher risk of profit loss and debts. But with the support of TCI, SMEs can continue their operations without worrying about the unpaid invoices.

And as it remains committed to support the SMEs in the UAE, ECI ensures their competitiveness in the international markets through its bespoke TCI policy. This product helps SMEs do business with confidence during these challenging periods as it shields businesses against losses due to non-payment of a customer as well as provides better access to liquidity.

 

Explore the option to extend better Open Credit Terms and Limits

Through this option, ECI will guarantee the exporter access to better funding through its strategic partnerships with banks, covering business deals of huge amounts, thereby allowing the UAE-based business to export products in the international markets on open terms—meaning, there is no limit to the amount of the transaction’s value. When buyers are given open credit limits, UAE companies have more business opportunities, resulting in their growth

 

Constantly expand your global presence in developing nations

The key to growth is to constantly expand even in nations that are still considered developing. While it presents complicated uncertainties, ECI helps mitigate these threats through TCI. To strengthen its risk mitigation strategy, ECI even allows SMEs to bundle the TCI product with political risk insurance to help them trade with confidence despite the political risks in the host country.

 

Leverage on Better borrowing terms and market information

ECI’s products help SMEs better negotiate the funding cost since the receivables are secured and protected. They can use the information and knowledge of the federal export credit company to confidently arrive at decisions based on solid risk mitigation standards.

 

Enhance your credit management procedure 

Having a solid credit management procedure is crucial to guarantee uninterrupted business progress, as well as minimise risks while maximising opportunities. ECI’s TCI helps improve SMEs’ credit management procedure through leveraging their accounts receivable.

 

Know the laws and regulations of your export markets

The lack of information can put a dampen on a business’ export operations. ECI’s huge database of and reports about the business climate of countries across the globe can help SMEs penetrate new markets with confidence.

 

Make sure all necessary paperwork is complete and accurate

Ensure that all the paperwork needed in your export operations are done appropriately and accurately. If there are documents that are unclear, consult with a legal expert.

 

Establish good relationships with customers

Having a good rapport with the customers is key to the success of SMEs; without it, even a small misunderstanding or pressure can jeopardise the relationship. ECI advises to have an open and frequent communications with the clients. Especially in situations where there is non-payment, it is important to deal with appropriate communications patiently.

 

Document every communication

The best way to protect your business and agreements is to ensure all communications with the customers are documented.

 

Try to understand the behaviour of your customers

Look for any early signs of late payment, triggers, or point of alerts. If your customer is frequently asking to extend the due date, it means they have cash flow problems. if they stop responding to calls or emails, this is an early sign of alert.

It is only through awareness regarding their behaviour can a business fully strategise the necessary solutions to improve its operations.

 

Always cheque your customers’ credit management processes

Is your customer’s day sales outstanding (DSO)—a calculation used to estimate the size of a company’s outstanding account receivables—strong? If the DSO is higher than the normal payment terms, this means they are bad in their collection of payments. This will have cascading effect on you as an exporter.

If there is any change in the order amount or a sudden demand to increase the order, this is a sign of a problem that should be dealt cautiously.

 

Be proactive in cash flow management

Always focus on the best practises and proactive approaches to protect your receivables, such as partnering with ECI for its bespoke credit insurance solutions.

 

Focus on monitoring overdue receivables

SMEs should focus on processing the invoice and monitorong receivables when they have become overdue. The conditions on the sales contract should be cover the late payment issues.

Case Study: ECI’s Single Risk Policy helps Dubai-based supplier tap a new market in Colombia

As part of its mandate to help UAE-based businesses further cement their position in the international markets, Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE’s federal export credit company, has helped a Dubai-based firefighting equipment supplier expand its presence in Colombia through its strategic financial solutions.

The company, a leading producer of firefighting solutions offering all types of high-quality firefighting equipment and security systems, has signed a Single Risk Policy agreement with ECI to secure export credit protection from a buyer in Colombia.

Competing with two other large players, the said business was looking to participate in a tender—to be decided by the host country’s ministry—for the supply of firefighting vehicles. There was also no performance bond or any other security available as collateral to the risk.

Under this agreement, ECI has provided a comprehensive analysis of the country’s business climate, as well as coverage against commercial and political risks in Colombia that could lead to non-payment on the part of the buyer—allowing the company to trade in confidence and guarantee that they will get their receivables on time.

Commercial risks include insolvency of the buyer, failure or refusal of the client to pay the purchase price despite the fulfilment of all obligations towards the buyer; or failure or refusal of the guarantor to fulfil any of his/its obligations under a guarantee of payment issued by the guarantor in respect of an insured export contract.

Non-commercial risks include currency transfer restrictions imposed by the government of the buyer’s country, or any legislative action or administrative action or omission of the buyer’s country which has the effect of depriving the policyholder of the ownership or control of the goods sold under an export contract or of any benefit relating to such goods.

Political risks include any military action or civil disturbance in the buyer’s country that directly led to the buyer’s default.

In addition, by maximizing the trade credit insurance from ECI, the exporter also attained a wider access to trade finance and additional funding—gaining the full credit limit it needs fund its exporting operations to the host country.

“With this policy, we were able to significantly increase the company’s capacity to tap a new market in a new region. The agreement helped bankroll the business’ export operations as well as provide comprehensive coverage to guarantee that they get indemnity despite the commercial and political risks posed by the host country. We have provided them protection so they can open a potential market and in turn, fast-track their much-needed growth,” said Swarna Lata, Director of Underwriting, ECI.

With this agreement, the business was able to execute the orders, as well as get paid by the buyer on time—leading them to place their full trust in ECI for other tenders during the bidding stage.

Highlighting the need to get coverage as sectors enter a new world order, ECI CEO Massimo Falcioni said: “The current situation has taught us about the crucial role that credit insurance plays in sustaining business operations and upkeeping the global economy. Through our bespoke financial solutions, ECI is here to protect businesses as they penetrate more markets, especially as more opportunities have risen following the reopening of international borders. Our service helps them continue their expansion plans securely, boosting their competitiveness in global markets thereby sustaining the UAE’s national economic diversification.”

Government ECAs eye multilateral collaboration in the US$1-trillion Belt & Road initiative

Government export credit agencies have been mulling multilateral collaboration in order to support the US$1-trillion Belt & Road Initiative and other projects that require significant funding investments.

This was highlighted in the recent Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) webinar in Dubai, sponsored by Etihad Credit Insurance, and participated by ECAs from the UAE, UK, Italy, France and China.

 Spanning across 70 countries with US$1 trillion investment requirement over the 10-year period from 2017, BRI has been hailed as the most ambitious infrastructure initiative aimed at improving physical, trade, economic and digital connectivity across various sectors.

To help meet the investment needs of this massive project, the role of export credit agencies in

closing the large infrastructure gap constraining trade, openness and future prosperity is crucial.

Massimo Falcioni, CEO of Etihad Credit Insurance, the UAE’s federal export credit company, underscored that cooperation of governments through their respective ECAs can expedite the realisation and success of the BRI, also called the New Silk Road initiative.

According to Falcioni, such teamwork can lead to knowledge sharing between the ECAs, especially since they know the solvency of each of the company under their wing better than anyone else.

He also noted that cooperation between ECAs is essential in successfully funding big projects, such as those involved in the BRI, due to the fact that they can work together in terms of co-insuring and re-insuring large-scale initiatives. “We represent governments and through us – export credit agencies – we can help put in place solutions through co-insuring, reinsuring and knowledge sharing,” Falcioni said.

In addition, he said ECA collaboration can open up additional business opportunities, especially in terms of organising B2B meetings with pre-qualified clients and forging strategic alliances.

“This is true for the BRI and many other projects. Global cooperation amongst ECAs today is beyond crucial to help the world surmount a successful upturn from the crisis,” Falcioni said, noting that all the ECAs present in the AIM digital forum are strategic partners of ECI.

 

COLLABORATION: NEED OF THE HOUR

Collaboration is the need of the hour as the requirements for trade credit have also increased dramatically due to the market disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

An article by Global Trade Review in May, citing International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) data, showed that as much as US$5 trillion of trade credit market capacity will be needed to return trade volumes back to 2019 levels in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

“With the World Trade Organisation (WTO) estimating a potential decline in global merchandise trade in the order of 13-32% in 2020, we hypothesise that something in the order of US$1.9-5tn capacity in the trade credit market will be required to enable a rapid V-shaped recovery as demand returns to the global economy,” the ICC report says.

Experts who participated in the digital forum, “Government Export Credit Agency’s Leadership in Belt & Road Initiative International Cooperation”, tackled the importance of a robust multilateral cooperation in shoring up support to the trade credit market, starting with BRI.

The New Silk Road initiative comprises a wide array of development and investment programmes that would stretch from Asia and Africa all the way to Europe—including development of ports, roads, railways, airports, power plants, and telecommunications networks.

Once completed, major investments in infrastructure of the New Silk Road are expected to impact 65 per cent of the world’s population and about a third of the global GDP, according to the data released by international financial institution European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

While there are a lot of opportunities, the key to winning in this market is through offering competitive terms, said Italian Export Credit Agency (SACE)–Head of Dubai office for Middle East & North Africa Maurizio d’Andria. He said each ECA has to compete against their foreign counterparts with more competitive offerings.

He noted that while “the way to go and achieve consistent success is to give very competitive terms,” there is still a room for competitors to collaborate, such as in their shared goal of benefitting from BRI.

Describing the current market as a “blue ocean,” Runmo Zou, the Business Development Director for Dubai Team of China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE), said that more than 97 per cent of their revenues are from short-term facilities, hence there are more room for ECAs to grow.

Another area of growth and collaboration are initiatives that promote sustainability. Catherine Dorgnac, Area Manager for the Middle East, Turkey, and Central Asia for Bpifrance noted the importance of incorporating sustainable initiatives in order to create a world well prepared to battle potential crises.

She said that COVID-19 has visibly reset trade and industries, a reason why ECAs, governments, and businesses must unite to address socio-environmental challenges. “We want to be supportive of all projects related to creating smart and sustainable cities. We want those committed to sustainable solutions,” Dorgnac said.

UK Export Finance (UKEF) has already echoed the benefits that nations can garner from global cooperation. UKEF, the oldest ECA in the world, has been aiming to work alongside China and other ECAs to ensure the large-scale success of the programme, according to Senior Counsellor for Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan David Moleshead.

Falcioni said: “Combining the resources of the governments through ECAs can make a difference, especially in the success of BRI. Working together, we can help put every government access the infrastructure development funding. Cooperation is vital because there is this knowledge transfer, mutual understanding and learning, which can help put in place co-insuring and reinsuring solutions.”

“We know that only by working together, we can create a market where everyone can win. We are much stronger if we work together. Together, we win,” he added.

Saleh Abdullah Lootah, esteemed NPM client, climbs six places in Construction Week’s annual ranking of 100 most influential construction industry leaders in 2020

Saleh Abdullah Lootah, CEO of Lootah Real Estate Development—one of the region’s leading real estate developers, and an esteemed client of New Perspective Media (NPM) Group—has climbed six places in Construction Week’s annual ranking of 100 most influential construction industry leaders in 2020.

The CEO is behind some of the groundbreaking projects of Lootah, including retail lifestyle project Ewan Residences in Dubai Investment Park (DIP), which has provided over 1,000 units to highly satisfied customers.

NPM Group has helped thrust Lootah into wider exposure since it became in charge with the marketing and communication initiatives of the real estate developer—including dissemination of press releases and management of its social media platforms, among others.

NPM Group publishes the Annual Report of Sharjah Islamic Bank for the fourth consecutive year

New Perspective Media  (NPM) Group, a leading 360-degree marketing and communications agency in the UAE, with offices in the Middle East and Asia Pacific, has published the annual report of Sharjah Islamic Bank, one of the country’s leading publicly listed Islamic banks, for the fourth time in a row.

In 2018, the esteemed Islamic bank has chosen NPM Group once again to issue its Annual Report—which provides customers, investors, and shareholders equal access to its performance for the year—in time for the close of the bank’s financial year on 31 December. Prior to this, the agency has printed its Annual Reports for 2015, 2016, and 2017.

In addition, NPM Group has also introduced and launched the digital version of the SIB Annual Report, as well as infused infographics and easy-to-read templates to provide readers legible and comprehensible content. NPM Group was not only responsible for the design and layout, content, but with the printing management of the bank’s comprehensive report as well.

NPM Group breaches the 100th edition of 999 Magazine as it releases the 103th issue

New Perspective Media Group (NPM), a leading 360-degree marketing and communications agency in the UAE, with offices in the Middle East and Asia Pacific, has breached the 100th edition of 999 Magazine—the first society and security monthly in the Middle East by the Ministry of Interior (MoI).

In its commitment to create a vibrant communication channel to reach out to the majority of expats in the UAE, the Ministry has chosen NPM Group to publish the English version 999 Magazine on its behalf—releasing its 103rd edition as of August 2020. The revered agency is responsible for 999’s content generation and management, as well as design and layout.

Covering various topics that highlight safety and security in the UAE – including technology, health, crime, and tips – 999 Magazine is part of the Strategic Plan of the MoI to put a spotlight on the efforts of the ministry and police. It also aims to encourage the public to contribute to the reduction of crime in the UAE.

NPM Group publishes the first edition of ECI’s newsletter

New Perspective Media  (NPM) Group, a leading 360-degree marketing and communications agency in the UAE, with offices in the Middle East and Asia Pacific, has published the first issue of the newsletter of Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE’s federal export credit company.

The first edition of ECI In Focus, published in June 2020, forms part of the federal export credit company’s efforts to engage further with customers, partners, and stakeholders—providing them valuable insights and relevant updates in the industry.

NPM Group was in charge with the newsletter’s content management and design, as well as its dissemination to ECI’s partners, clients, and potential customers.

NPM Group CEO wins ‘Female Leader of the Year’ title in prestigious Middle East Awards

UAE, Dubai, November 28, 2019: NPM Group CEO has won the ‘Female Leader of the Year Award’ in the 2019 Middle East Economic Digest (MEED) Awards, a prestigious award-giving body for businesses and business leaders in the Middle East.

Dr. Karen Remo, the CEO and Co-Founder of NPM, a leading 360-degree media, marketing and communications agency has bagged the distinction at the MEED Awards 2019 held on November 27 at The Ritz Carlton-Dubai International Financial Centre in Dubai, UAE.

The award was presented by Sultan Alshaali, Executive Director, Government Accelerators at the UAE Prime Minister’s Office.

The ‘Male Leader of the Year,’ was awarded to Colm McLoughlin, executive vice-chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free who has been in the business of duty free retail for 50 years.
With the ‘Female Leader of the Year’ recognition—one of the highest distinctions in the MEED Awards—Dr Remo has proven to have demonstrated “excellent business leadership in empowering her employees, leadership approach, a successful existing and future growth plan and how her successful leadership has had a direct result on the success of their business.”

According to the judges of the MEED Awards 2019, Dr. Karen was conferred with the accolade due to “her indispensable entrepreneurial spirit that allowed her to launch impressive portfolio as part of the NPM Group.” The Awards stated: “The judges commended her for her innovative methods that enabled the growth of her business across geographies and culminated in satisfied customers. Additionally, Dr. Karen’s approaches to align with the sustainable development goals as well as the clearly articulated initiatives that have been taken for the Filipino community make her an inspirational leader indeed.”

Dr Karen Remo, the CEO and Co-Founder of NPM Group receiving the ‘Female Leader of the Year’ award presented by Sultan Alshaali, Executive Director, Government Accelerators at the UAE Prime Minister’s Office

“It is an honour to receive such a prestigious award and I am very grateful to the committee and the judges for this award. I am very happy to have the privilege to work for and help many clients and brands in the MENA and Asia-Pacific regions. It was their trust and support that gave us this opportunity to shine and the passion and dedication of every team member in the NPM Group of companies to be of service — and to make a difference,” Dr Remo said.

“I am grateful to the visionary and inclusive leadership of the UAE and commend the country’s globally-recognised role in fostering tolerance and respect, women empowerment and entrepreneurship enabling it to be a cradle for more than 200 nationalities from across the globe who live, invest and work here in a profound level of harmony,” she added.

A seasoned public relations and marketing strategist, media expert and socio-civic advocate, Dr Remo has been the voice of a number of government and corporate institutions.
She co-founded and manages New Perspective Media, a group of agencies based in Dubai with six offices in the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
She has successfully connected investors, partners, and governments; and has helped more than 1,000 brands and companies reach their target customers through content-driven integrated marketing communications.

She is the Managing Editor of 999 Magazine; the official publication of the Ministry of Interior which NPM publishes on behalf of the Ministry.

Dr Remo is also the Publisher of The Filipino Times, the biggest Filipino newspaper in the UAE and the largest digital platform for Filipinos in the Middle East. The news website receives 3 million visitors per month registering 20 million impressions and is being read in 236 countries, as per Google analytics.

Under her leadership, NPM Group has launched Philippine Property & Investment Exhibition, now on its 8th edition, which is the largest, longest running property investment expo in the Middle East. NPM also organises The Filipino Times Awards (now on its 5th year), the largest and most prestigious red-carpet awards that honors exemplary professionals in their respective industries and recognises top brands in the UAE.

“The MEED Awards celebrates those who are riding the wave of the current economic landscape by embracing global and regional trends. With regional governments now in the implementation phase of their strategic visions to diversify economies, businesses and leaders boosting the private sector are the key in encouraging economic growth,” says MEED Group Commercial Director, Sonia Kerrigan.

More than 250 nominations were registered for this award-giving body, making this year the most competitive since its inception.

Challenges faced by women and men entrepreneurs in UAE are identical – study

NPM Group CEO tackles changing gender roles expectations in a keynote address at SheTrades MENA in Dubai

Dubai, UAE, November 10, 2019:

The CEO of New Perspective Media Group (NPM), a leading UAE-based media company and integrated marketing communications agency, has lauded the UAE’s unwavering commitment to helping women tip the scales of entrepreneurship to unlock their full potentials as business owners.

In her keynote address on the second day of the entrepreneur workshop, which forms part of the International Trade Centre’s SheTrades initiative in partnership with Dubai Exports and UPS, Dr. Karen Remo stressed the role of entrepreneurship as a “great equaliser” amongst men and women in society.

ITC’s SheTrades initiative aims to connect 3 million women entrepreneurs to market by 2021. Held under the theme “Preparing for Export”, the event took place at the Grand Hyatt Dubai.

Dr. Remo emphasised the UAE’s significant and positive steps in levelling the playing field of doing business in the country.

“A connected world has given entrepreneurs here amazing opportunities to dream that dream of choice and make it a reality,” Dr. Remo said, underlining the importance of looking past the obstacles and becoming optimistic on new opportunities.

To fully maximise the now multifaceted opportunities, Dr. Remo encourages women to explore the idea of venturing into their own business.

Fatima Ghanem, Director of Export Initiatives and Partnerships in Dubai Exports, with Dr. Karen Remo during the International Trade Centre’s SheTrades initiative in partnership with Dubai Exports and UPS.

“The UAE has, through its programmes made setting-up businesses here simpler, more cost effective and more streamlined,” she said. “This in turn, has resulted in opening new opportunities for women to start their own businesses without having to spend a lot of time or money on the minutia of regulatory compliance. We can now therefore spend more time in developing new products and services for the market,” she added.

Figures from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority show that SME sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP is at 53 per cent in 2019 and is expected to increase to 60 per cent by 2021. SMEs encompass around 95 per cent of the firms in the country and employ 86 per cent of the total workforce in the non-oil private sector.

“The UAE has also done well to establish itself as the gateway between the East and the West. The UAE is at the leading edge of world-class infrastructure in air, sea and land transportation and logistics. And our friends from Dubai Exports, ITC and UPS here are very much a part of this effort,” Dr Remo added.

Changing gender role expectations is opening up opportunities for everyone. She cited a research conducted by NPM Group amongst 44 entrepreneurs in the UAE in which the respondents were equally represented by men and women.

In this study, it was found that the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs are identical, if not entirely similar.

The top challenges of entrepreneurs are:
• Limited capital or access to funding
• Delayed of payments and non-payments
• Managing cash-flow
• Balancing business and family life
• Hiring and retaining good talent

“What is widely thought as mainly women issues were also issues of male entrepreneurs, in varying degrees. Men also named gender inequality, social struggle to be respected or taken seriously, and challenging social expectations, as key challenges just as women did,” Dr. Remo explained.

In addition, changes in technology are allowing people to become entrepreneurs much more easily than before. “And tomorrow, there will be even more opportunities that we can’t even see today,” she said.