BUSINESSMED participated at The MENA-OECD Business Advisory Board (BAB) that was held on September, 20th– 21st 2018, Madrid

The event brought together leading business associations, chambers of commerce and other private sector networks from both MENA and OECD countries to highlight the specific needs of the region and strategies that can be applied.

The high-level panel on the topic “How can businesses help governments develop better policies for sustainable growth?” took place on 20th September 2018 with an objective to frame the overall event and give a high-level overview on why it is necessary to include the private sector in economic policymaking, especially in the MENA region, which faces economic obstacles and needs for reforms.

Mrs Jihen Boutiba, BUSINESSMED’s General Secretary welcomed the attendees with a keynote speech, by introducing EBSOMED project and its objectives and targets.

On her speech, Mrs Boutiba focused on the role business support organisations (BSOs) in building linkages, promoting gender balance in senior management and corporate boards, operating in fragile contexts, and boosting social dialogue.

The Programme supports reforms to mobilise investment, private sector development and entrepreneurship as driving forces for inclusive growth and employment in the MENA region, building also on the need to advance the region’s increasingly well trained youth and women.

The MENA-OECD Business Advisory Board informs the policy dialogue throughout the Competitiveness Programme with the views, challenges and needs of the private sector. For this aim, its members will participate in the different Working Groups of the Programme, comment and contribute to analytical work and provide strategic directions whene needed.