American Arab Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Under Secretary of State Jose W. Fernandez Announce Strategic Trade Delegation to the MENA Region
AACC Founder and Chairman Ahmad Chebbani (left) and Executive Director Bilal Hammoud (right) present an award to Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Jose W. Fernandez, at the 32nd Annual Building Economic Bridges Gala.
Wednesday, October 30th 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Dearborn, Michigan: Today, the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, nationally based and headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, representing over 1800 Arab American businesses across the state of Michigan and the United States, hosted its 32nd Annual “Building Economic Bridges Gala” featuring remarks by Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez. The Gala is the largest gathering of Arab American business leaders in the country, with over 850+ attendees representing hundreds of companies nationwide.
As part of his speech, Under Secretary Fernandez announced that he will be leading a trade delegation with the Chamber and Michigan Municipal League and Foundation in December to Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates with the goal of strengthening relations between local and international communities, promote global business and economic engagement, and leverage Dearborn and Michigan as hubs for innovation and commerce. The delegation ties to the broader Michigan Subnational Diplomacy initiative announced by Under Secretary Fernandez in Michigan in May 2024.
Ahmed Chebbani, the Founder and Chairman of the Chamber, had this to say about Under Secretary Fernandez’s remarks: “I have known and worked with Under Secretary Fernandez for several years, and every time we get together I am more and more impressed with his authenticity, his leadership in engaging our community, and his commitment to doing the right thing. I am thrilled that he came to address our Chamber, as it was critical that our representatives hear directly from his experience. With people like Jose in government, I know we have someone who understands us and is always willing to work with us. I am looking forward to our trade delegation to the MENA Region in December. Under Secretary Fernandez said: It is always good to be among friends like Ahmad and the Chamber. I am honored they invited me to be the keynote speaker at their annual Gala and I am looking forward to building economic bridges between Michigan, the Arab American community and the MENA Region on our trade delegation in December. The trip will support the State Department’s partnership with the Michigan Municipal League Foundation to further subnational diplomacy here in Michigan.
Bilal Hammoud, Executive Director of the Chamber shared, "Our mission has always been to empower Arab American entrepreneurs and businesses, not just here in Michigan but across the globe. Events like tonight’s gala remind us of the power of collaboration, innovation, and community. Under Secretary Fernandez has been a strong voice and his participation reflects the importance of strengthening bridges between local economies and international markets. The upcoming trade delegation to the MENA Region is a prime example of how we, as a chamber, are committed to creating new opportunities for our community and the State of Michigan, fostering mutual economic growth, and positioning Michigan as a global leader in commerce. Together, we are opening doors for Arab American businesses to thrive and building lasting connections that will drive success for generations to come."
“The upcoming trade delegation to the MENA region will not only create new opportunities for Arab American businesses and Michigan’s economy but also allow us to bring back best practices from global innovation hubs. By fostering long-term partnerships, we aim to unlock opportunities that position Michigan as a leader in commerce and entrepreneurship. Together, we are paving the way for sustainable growth and ensuring our businesses thrive well into the future."
