AACC Hosts Meeting with U.S. State Dept. Under Secretary Jose W. Fernandez at MPC 2024
The AACC Hosts Meeting with Arab American Leaders in Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation with Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez at Mackinac Island Policy Conference.
June 1, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The American Arab Chamber of Commerce Had a Productive Meeting with U.S. State Department Under Secretary Jose W. Fernandez to Chart Areas of Economic, Trade and Business Cooperation and Dialogue with the Arab American Community in Michigan
Leaders of the Arab American community in Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation had a productive meeting with Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez on Mackinac Island to discuss economic priorities for the Arab American community in Michigan and invited him to be the keynote speaker at the Chamber’s annual gala in October.
Mackinac Island, Mich. – On the margins of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference, the American Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) had a productive meeting with Jose W. Fernandez, the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment. The discussion included leaders from the Arab American community in Michigan and sought to explore areas of mutual interest, including strengthening ties with the Arab American diaspora in Michigan and advancing global business, economic, and trade priorities for the Chamber and the Arab American community in Michigan.
They also discussed opportunities to increase engagement and opportunities between the State Department and the city of Dearborn under the Department’s and Michigan’s new City and State Diplomacy Initiative, which is housed under the Michigan Municipal League and Foundation with support from the State of Michigan. Quentin Messer, the CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Melanie Brown, senior partnerships adviser at the MEDC also joined this important convening.
Under Secretary Fernandez said: "I am impressed by the action-oriented initiatives of the American-Arab Chamber of Commerce. I still remember fondly our work with Mr. Chebbani and the Chamber in North Africa during the Obama-Biden years, and the linkages we were able to create between entrepreneurs in the Maghreb and the United States. Our discussion this week laid a strong foundation for future collaboration to drive economic growth, innovation, and global partnerships for Arab Americans in Michigan and around the country. I look forward to building on this discussion with the Chamber in the coming months."
The conversation with Under Secretary Fernandez was productive and positive. The discussion highlighted the importance of fostering international business relationships and expanding trade opportunities to enhance economic growth in the Arab American community. Under Secretary Fernandez reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to support the Chamber’s mission to promote global business engagements and economic development. With Dearborn being the headquarters for the Chamber and at the forefront of the automotive industry, the discussion also focused on global initiatives aimed at addressing supply chain challenges and creating opportunities for innovation and growth in the automotive sector. The meeting also emphasized the critical role of subnational diplomacy in driving local economic initiatives, including the need for stronger collaboration between local and international stakeholders to leverage Dearborn and Michigan as a hub for innovation and commerce. The Chamber and the Under Secretary identified numerous avenues for joint efforts, including potential future trade missions and business delegations to strengthen global partnerships.
Ahmad Chebbani, Chairman of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, invited Under Secretary Fernandez to Dearborn to give the keynote address at the Arab American Chamber of Commerce’s 32nd annual ‘Building Economic Bridges’ Gala on October 25th and to meet with the community in Dearborn.
“Over the years, my interactions with Under Secretary Fernandez have always been marked by deep mutual respect and a shared vision for economic growth,” Chebbani recalled fondly. “This week's discussions have rejuvenated our commitment to fostering global business ties, exploring new avenues for economic development, deepening diaspora engagement, building entrepreneurship support, and planning new trade delegations to the region. We are excited to invite him to Dearborn this fall, where we aim to showcase the growth of our vibrant community and discuss future opportunities at our 32nd annual Building Economic Bridges’ Gala."
Bilal Hammoud, Executive Director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, remarked on the significance of the discussions: "Our conversation with Under Secretary Fernandez was not only insightful but a clear indication of the deep ties we aim to build. His commitment to our initiatives and his recognition of the pivotal role Arab Americans play in Michigan’s economic landscape affirm the value of our efforts. We are inspired by his perspectives and look forward to deepening our collaboration. Together, we are building the foundation to launch groundbreaking projects that promise to elevate our community’s impact both locally and globally. We will continue this momentum and further solidify our partnership, which is poised to foster substantial economic and trade developments for Arab Americans in Michigan and beyond.”
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About the American Arab Chamber of Commerce:
The American Arab Chamber of Commerce builds economic bridges by promoting and empowering the business community it serves on a local, national and international level.
About the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment:
The Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment leads the State Department’s efforts to develop and implement international policies related to economic growth, energy, agriculture, the ocean, the environment, and science and technology.
