Australian Arab Businesswomen’s Forum

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, today opened the 2014 Australian Arab Businesswomen’s Forum in Sydney.

Senator Fierravanti-Wells, who has special responsibility for Multicultural Affairs & Settlement Services, said the event focussed on commercial opportunities between Australia and the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on women.

“The 2014 Australian Arab Businesswomen’s Forum will continue to build our commercial and personal links between Australia and the Middle East,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“It brought women from around the world together to discuss the challenges they face in establishing, building and then taking their companies international.

“Women in many leading Australian companies have roles in developing business opportunities across the Middle East in sectors as diverse as healthcare, education and training, medical and pharmaceutical products and agricultural products.

“It was an opportunity for Australian businesspeople to gain an accurate understanding of the role of businesswomen in the Middle East, and vice versa.

“Australia’s cultural diversity is a source of great social and economic strength.

“The forum provided an opportunity to share practical examples and experiences from around the world.

“Increasing understanding across cultures will help create opportunities for further success,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

The 2014 Australian Arab Businesswomen’s Forum is organised by Australian Businesswomen’s Forum and Women Chiefs of Enterprise International.

It featured international speakers from the UK, Jordan, Saudia Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, including Her Excellency Sheikha Dr Hind Al Qassimi, a member of the UAE Royal Family and Chairwoman of the UAE Business Professional Women’s Club.