American Business Council of Kuwait holds ’versary gala – Organisation celebrates 30 years of existence

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US Ambassador Douglas Silliman (fourth from left) and ABCK Chairman Scott Beverly (fourth from right) with KGL executives.
US Ambassador Douglas Silliman (fourth from left) and ABCK Chairman Scott Beverly (fourth from right) with KGL executives.

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 28: The American Business Council of Kuwait (ABCK) held its 30th Anniversary Gala on Tuesday at the Al Hashemi Ballroom, Radisson Blu Hotel with US Ambassador to Kuwait Douglas Silliman and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Development and Planning Affairs Hind Al-Sabeeh represented by Fares Al-Obaid as guests of honour. Among the special guests were Mr and Mrs Delano Roosevelt and other Kuwaiti, American and foreign dignitaries.

The event commenced with the singing of the Kuwait and US national anthems respectively followed by the opening remarks of ABCK Chairman Scott Beverly who welcomed all the guests to the auspicious occasion, highlighting the organisation’s growth for the past 30 years of its existence.

“Tonight is the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the forming of the organisation. It started with a small group of companies and with the assistance of the US Embassy and over the course of the last 30 years, we have grown to a number of corporate member companies as well as individual members and the organisation exists to promote American brands and products in Kuwait”, stated Beverly as he thanked the US Embassy for its utmost support to the organisation.

The American Business Council of Kuwait (ABCK) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion and development of American business and American business interests in the State of Kuwait. It is an affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce and a founding member of the Middle East Chamber of the American Chambers of Commerce. ABCK strives to promote better awareness of American businesses, products, and services in Kuwait; provides a forum for American business and business interests, and advocates the enhancement of the business climate within the State of Kuwait; and seeks to proactively promote an understanding of the challenges and issues facing American business interests operating abroad.

On his part, Ambassador Silliman congratulated ABCK on its 30th anniversary and expressed his full support to the organisation’s mission in serving as a conduit of information for both US and Kuwait businesses, and working closely with the US Embassy to promote trade between both countries.

In his speech, he took the audience to a trip down the memory lane in 1985 when ABCK was founded and how the organisation has stood the test of time. It was the time that HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was the Amir of Kuwait, Ronald Reagan was President  of the United States and  Michael Gorbachev was leader of the Soviet Union. He added that it was the time that Coca Cola changed its formula and started selling New Coke. Microsoft released Windows 1.0. Wham! And Madonna had the best selling records and Taylor Swift wasn’t even born yet.

“The ABC-K has been around longer than Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, actually, longer than the entire Internet. It has been around longer than the iPad, all six numbers and several letters of the iPhone, the iPod, and the laptop computer. Many products and personalities have come and gone. But ABCK has stuck around and is still going strong. Your long-term success in this community is a testament to the important work you have done to promote US-Kuwait business relations over the past three decades. I am confident you will continue to do so for many decades to come,” stated Silliman.

He lauded ABCK as one of the US Embassy’s longest and most important partners. On the side, he also outlined the activities of the “Discover America Week” in Kuwait whereby the embassy has organised numerous events highlighting American culture, education, business, music, film, automobiles, fashion, food, and restaurants.

“Our slogan this year is: Discover America: Quality. Reliability. Together. I chose this slogan because it not only describes American products and services, but also the enduring relationship between the United States and Kuwait. Another focus of the Embassy this year is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the invasion, occupation, liberation and rebuilding of Kuwait”, stated Silliman.

On a final note, the Ambassador outlined that while it is vital to remember the past, it is also important to look forward as there many opportunities in Kuwait for US companies, but the regulatory here needs additional work.

He cited that there has been progress such as with the implementation of up to 100 percent foreign owned entities but more should be done. According to the World Bank, Kuwait ranks 86th in the world, and 6th in the GCC, in ease of doing business.

“The Embassy is eager to partner with you, the American business community, to develop new strategies, safeguard IPR, tighten cyber security, and advocate for a more favourable business environment”, he reiterated.

During the gala, one of the special guests, Delano Roosevelt also spoke briefly congratulating ABCK on its 30th anniversary and highlighting the importance of building excellent and strong business relations with the host country and various companies by keeping the lines of communication open.

The gala was concluded with a dinner as the US Military Band and the Jazz Band rendered some musical repertoire to the delight of the guests.

By Michelle Fe Santiago

Arab Times Staff

This news has been read 5053 times!

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