ICC convenes MENA leaders to explore pathways to revitalise trade

As part of its second year as a Knowledge Partner of the World Governments Summit, ICC convened a high-level roundtable in Dubai bringing together ministers, business leaders and international experts from across the MENA region. The discussion focused on practical pathways for revitalising the multilateral trading system. 

The roundtable continues ICC’s efforts to explore how governments and the private sector can work together to move beyond abstract reform debates and deliver solutions that restore confidence in global trade. 

Held against a backdrop of rising trade fragmentation and growing uncertainty for businesses, the roundtable followed a similar discussion for the ASEAN region in Singapore in October 2025. 

ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:  

“Revitalising the multilateral system is not the responsibility of governments alone. It requires a shared commitment across business, civil society and international institutions. The MENA region is uniquely positioned to lead – bridging continents, markets and political blocs.” 

MENA’s strategic position for trade cooperation  

Discussions centred on identifying priority areas where MENA economies could rally behind shared objectives and pilot initiatives outlined in the ICC Call for Action at the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) and the  ICC Compact for Trade, Growth and Jobs. Focus areas included trade digitalisation and interoperability, access to trade finance, regulatory coherence, supply chain connectivity and the use of shared standards to reduce fragmentation.

The roundtable highlighted the region’s strategic position at the crossroads of global trade, investment and supply chains. Participants noted that MENA’s growing role in logistics, digital infrastructure and capital mobilisation places it in a unique position to help shape the next phase of global trade cooperation. 

Building resilient trade

During the Summit, Mr Denton participated in a high-level panel titled “The Tipping Point in Global Trade”, alongside Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and H.E. Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama. The panel explored the risks facing the global trading system and the need for renewed cooperation. ICC also contributed to an OECD- European Union ministerial roundtable on “Shock-Proofing Trade: Secure Connectivity for Economic Resilience”, focused on interoperable digital infrastructure, resilient connectivity and the mobilisation of capital to ensure trade networks remain functional during geopolitical tensions, climate shocks and supply disruptions.

Looking ahead to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference 

Insights from the Dubai roundtable will inform ICC’s continued engagement with governments in the lead-up to MC14, as well as its work to support implementation of the ICC Compact for Trade, Growth and Jobs.   

ICC will continue working with MENA governments and business leaders to turn shared priorities into practical action and to strengthen the multilateral trading system in practice, not just in principle. 

H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said: “Trade thrives when the public and private sectors work together as true partners. Cross-border trade depends on trust, clear rules, efficient systems, and constant coordination between governments and business communities. The dialogue helped identify the MENA region’s priorities, and the practical steps that can be piloted to accelerate modern trade. Dubai stands ready to support constructive, solutions-oriented collaboration that strengthens the global trade ecosystem and expands opportunities.”