August 24, 2025

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GTR MENA 2020 logo

Industry experts meet in Dubai to discuss the future of trade

With the rapidly changing dynamics in a turbulent global economic landscape, the future of trade, and the trade finance that supports it, continues to be a topic for debate.

The extent to which corporates, financial institutions and government agencies are working together to assess future prospects – guiding their constituents to strong growth and reduced risk – and the markets being explored, solutions discussed, and efficiencies unveiled was a key theme of the conference.

With special focus on the importance of ‘seizing opportunities’ for this year’s instalment, GTR MENA provides an unrivalled platform for increasing awareness of the market, presenting the opportunity to hear from leading local and international trade and export finance experts and employing a wide range of session formats and networking activities to facilitate high-quality conversations and business development opportunities. Discussions on Day One centred around how best to capitalise on such opportunities, from the potential trade legacy of Expo 2020 to new trade flows and political relationships, as well as ongoing conversations around the “digitisation journey” being undertaken by many in the market. Strong attention was also paid to the importance of encouraging a culture of entrepreneurship, improving diversity levels and creating a more inclusive environment, with close attention paid to the important work of the SheTrades initiative, as well as tips for exporters on how to “get noticed” in a competitive landscape.

Join GTR on social media and follow the official conference hashtag: #GTRMENA

Hosted by Laura Buckwell, former news anchor for the TV channel City7 TV, Day One of the event welcomed a number of the highest-calibre speakers, all of whom were keen to share their expertise and offer guidance on how best to navigate the current climate. These included Massimo Falcioni, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE federal export credit agency tasked with accelerating and sustaining national economic diversification as well as supporting the export and re-export of goods, services and foreign investment; Dr Karen Remo, recently proclaimed the ‘Female Leader of the Year’ in the Middle East Economic Digest Awards and the co-founder of New Perspective Media Group; and Laura Lane, Global President of Public Affairs for UPS, a former trade negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative and winner of the Washington Business Journal’s ‘Women Who Mean Business’ award.

Both Maninder Bhandari (Director of the Derby Group and former global banker) and Peter Gubbins (CEO & Founder of Global Trade Review) were keen to emphasise that they feel the period of reduced economic growth was thankfully over, with markets now seizing opportunities previously unconsidered in places like Sub-Saharan Africa, the Maghreb and Iraq among others. Bhandari was also keen to stress that downturns in global markets were nothing new, whether in MENA, Asia Pacific or Latin America: “Trade is often a cyclical process and the past 25 years has seen challenges across many markets; what is notable is that each downturn has attracted talented solutions and efforts to think outside the box. These solutions if well thought-out and implemented with resolve lead to improved efficiencies, developments in the blockchain space being an excellent example of this.”

Gubbins, a UK national and owner of UK-based GTR, was equally bullish when talking about the ramifications of the UK’s exit from the European Union and its impact on global, and specifically MENA, trade: “Businesses crave certainty, so whatever people’s individual viewpoints on the merits or otherwise of political decisions, now is the time for global trade to look to move forward, to build relationships and address key issues in pursuit of growth. Nowhere is that better showcased than the unrivalled opportunities provided by events such as GTR MENA, which in its 16th year has become the premier discussion medium across the MENA region.”

Companies who attended in 2020

[attendees]

Testimonials

"An excellent platform for networking and gaining great insight of the trade and treasury from across the globe."

A David, ALEC Group

"Participating at GTR MENA was a great way to reconnect with the industry, see old contacts and make new ones. GTR MENA was the best forum to catch up on developments, news and progress in one place."

J Hepworth, OCO Global

"With all relevant players present, this is an excellent event for all trade finance practitioners in the region, featuring great networking opportunities."

T Richter, Daimler Commercial Vehicles

"Brings so many superb minds together produced a tangible buzz of creativity."

G Slawther, Corporate Advisory Resources

"The best annual event for networking in the trade finance market."

G Wilson, Intertek

"A great conference with lot of relevant discussions. Look forward to the next event."

P Koththigoda, Shell

"The best-organised trade finance event in Dubai, with trade professionals looking forward to attending each year."

K Duraiswamy, ADCB

"An excellent platform to network and unlock opportunities to explore the Middle East and Africa trade and finance focus."

Z Meyer, Nedbank CIB

"Perfect organization, well-charted out, relevant and eloquent speakers of incredible high level. The exchange of ideas and outlook for the way forward was appreciated in these uncertain times. GTR MENA once again knocked it out of the park as one of the premier trade-related events for the region."

N Hussain, United Bank Ltd.

"GTR brings the trade and export finance community together which contributes to improved governance, knowledge and leadership in the region."

S Ozkan, SMBC Group

“GTR does it again and again! This GTR MENA had the best selection of attendees, panellists and exhibitors focused on SCF. This year I attended both the India and MENA events, and both were top class. I have now added these events to my annual calendar.”

R Debnath, Cogence Labs

"What a great opportunity to meet like-minded people keen on doing business, well done GTR for hosting such a fantastic event!"

B Talsi, BMCE

"Worldwide GTR conferences allow businesses to improve, while discussing, sharing views and networking with the greatest experts in trade finance. Attending GTR gives the opportunity to touch base regarding the latest developments, hot topics and possible solutions to the main issues of the decade."

P Gupta, Polytrade

"The premier trade and export finance event in the region embracing the diversity in business opportunities."

P Luketa, CB Advisers

"An excellent opportunity to meet corporates, FIs and Fintechs in one location."

M Aryan, National Bank of Bahrain (NBB)

"Another amazing event with good learning and discussion in GTR MENA"

B Gupta, Olam Agri

"I thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity to discuss emerging trade finance trends with industry players at GTR MENA. These events always have a positive atmosphere and are now more relevant than ever. I look forward to next year’s event!"

F Danab, Bank of America

"It is vital for all professionals involved in trade to be up to date with innovation, disruption and the advance of technology. That is precisely the value offered by GTR MENA. This is where the rubber hits the road!"

P Matza, ACT

"I have attended several editions of GTR MENA, this year’s event was special being my first as a panellist on a hot topic of the year. I enjoyed the entire experience, from the preparation phase until we went live. The organisers were helpful, simple and fun to work with, whilst after the session, I received several emails which proved the efficiency of such virtual sessions. Looking forward to next year’s event."

Z Brake, Euler Hermes

"GTR is doing an amazing job in helping companies and financiers connect with each other. We have been connected with GTR for a few years now and will continue doing the same. Cheers!"

C Lad, Veefin

"A powerful gathering uniting the banking industry and broader financial network."

A Sayed, Lloyd's List Intelligence

"GTR MENA is a must attend event and to be marked in your calendar."

V Varghese, Genuine International Automobile

"GTR MENA is full of well calibrated content, accomplished and resourceful panellists/speakers who may help to broaden one’s horizon and bring in highly valuable perspectives to the pressing issues of trade and commodity finance industry."

O Gunes, Sberbank (Switzerland) AG

“Once again, GTR pulled off an amazing event. Great networking, great content – an absolute must-attend!”

R Harding, Coriolis Technologies

"Excellent subject matter and informed participants, with a focused exhibition area for looking at new technologies as well as networking with leading players."

G Bright, Euro Exim Bank

"The event was well-organised and brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest trends and developments in trade finance. The networking opportunities were excellent, connecting us with professionals from various backgrounds and providing valuable insights."

B Kurtulus, FCI

"Congratulations on the MENA conference — the content is great and the platform impressive. Highly relevant for the Indian Ocean region."

M Livsey, IORA

“I was delighted to participate in GTR MENA and for GTR to highlight and showcase the importance of the need to address sustainable supply chains as well as to be involved in the tech showcase. I had the opportunity to learn more about some really interesting fintech start-ups that are creating solutions we need.”

L McAuley, Global Trade Professionals Alliance (GTPA)

"Very informative and timely."

M Yousuf, Tetra Pak

"An excellent networking forum!"

S Huraiz, GE Healthcare

"GTR MENA was once again an excellent event with a fantastic agenda. The event was extremely well coordinated and absolutely seamless."

S Dole, CEO-Trade Information Network

"Very useful, topics and areas are taken correctly. A useful event to get in touch with new people who are all in global trade."

V Arunachalam, Platinum Corporates

"The best conference to visit in 2024. The networking is excellent and the hosts are perfect."

I Loktionov, Panasia Energy

"Well done GTR, you keep raising the bar."

A Ganguli, RAKBANK

Overall great event, critical topics being discussed and high level of participation with excellent networking opportunities. Keep up the great work."

Y Tahboub, Bank of Jordan

"Very important opportunity to expand to new terms, knowledge and business insight, meet experts from many business and trade sectors. Thanks GTR for organising this!"

M Kiwan, ICC Syria

"GTR MENA remains the industry event for all things trade related. If you are connected to trade, this is the event to be at."

A Xavier, Barclays

"GTR MENA gets bigger and better every year!"

S Pullolickel, GE

"Good conference with great opportunities to network and meet relevant industry stakeholders."

A Sunderkumar, Standard Chartered

"Outstanding event held at GTR MENA in Dubai. The content was extremely informative and relevant, while there were some very good networking opportunities between banks, corporations, intermediaries and fintechs."

Y Harrilal, Nedbank

"Debates on contemporary subjects and the many networking opportunities are key benefits."

P Mukherjee, Adebs Management Consultants

"GTR events are the window of the future."

F Lahbib, OCP Group

"It is a one stop shop for all business partners to meet."

H Ashraf, Novelis

"Awesome event with a packed and relevant agenda for the current macro economic scenario."

S Kuriyakkattil, Bank FAB

"A very important event in the schedule of any company and banker seeking to develop trade finance solutions."

Dr A Mahate, Dubai Industries & Exports

"GTR MENA remains THE event where stakeholders across the region are able to gather on a common platform to share their experiences and knowledge."

Y Khan, Citi

"Excellent arrangements and a great opportunity to meet up with industry peers and exchange views."

A Dasani, BBK Online

"Great networking place, very interesting insights and views, with seasoned panels of experts and speakers."

L Morel, APICORP

“GTR MENA has created an effective platform that facilitates a discussion related to challenges faced by SMEs or businesses of any size in the region. It also highlights the benefits of encouraging a culture of entrepreneurship while initiating conversations around getting more visibility in a competitive landscape.”

H Al Khazaleh, Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI)

"GTR is a great event to stay relevant to the market and networking adds great flavor to whole event with knowledge sharing in MENA trade landscape."

P Kumar, RGE Group

"With all relevant players present, this is an excellent event for all trade finance practitioners in the region, featuring great networking opportunities."

T Richter, Daimler Commercial Vehicles

"The most valuable event in the MENA region with great opportunities for networking with local market leaders in the banking, corporate and trade credit insurance sectors."

A Klepp, Credendo Group

"As a first-time attendee at GTR MENA, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the enriching experience. The event exceeded my expectations, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities. Thank you for making my inaugural participation memorable."

I Amirbekyan, ID Bank CJSC

"Terrific event, I have had the privilege of speaking at past forums. Very solid topics, senior stakeholder attendance, well organized — put on your short list!"

J Logan, Pelican

"Debates on contemporary subjects and the many networking opportunities are key benefits."

P Mukherjee, Adebs Management Consultants

"GTR MENA continues to grow an importance with a record 900+ attendees this year. Exceptional networking opportunities with corporates and banks."

M Iqbal, Standard Chartered

"A very good event for meeting people, banks and technology of the field you work in and to upgrade further."

N Nazar, EGIS Group

"Once again an excellent event hosted by the highly professional GTR Team. The fact that it is one of the first in-person Conferences after two years, also made it a landmark event enjoyed by Banks, Insurers, Traders and a wide spectrum of other Stakeholders alike."

Z Meyer, Nedbank CIB

"Thanks to the GTR Team for another superbly organised event. The relevance and content of the event has driven the record attendance. Many thanks to the panellists for the lively conversations!"

S Roy, TradeAssets

“GTR MENA saw amazing participation from exporters, importers, fintech's, service providers facilitating International trade, and global banks. Sessions were very enriching”

V Lodha, 360tf

"GTR MENA is an opportunity that I would not miss at any cost. Over the years it has transformed from simple networking to knowledge sharing and creating a source of ‘GO TO’ for information."

S Desai, Humana International

"Great sessions, excellent moderation and content."

Y Khan, Citi

"Great speakers and excellent for networking."

M Wahsh, Abu Dhabu Ports Group

"A great conference with lot of relevant discussions. Look forward to the next event."

P Koththigoda, Shell

"An excellent and enjoyable event enabling broad coverage of key trade finance and related topics, while presenting superb networking opportunities."

A Sabri, Gulf Associates

"The GTR MENA 2024 event provided invaluable insights into emerging market trends and opportunities offering essential networking opportunities for banking professionals."

P Singh, United Arab Bank

"A key trade event in the MENA region bringing together leading industry experts."

N Kumar, United Arab Bank

“GTR MENA is an integral part of the regional trade finance community to reflect upon emerging corridor opportunities along with changing dynamics and new risks to remain relevant in the market.”

S Ozkan, SMBC Group

"GTR MENA is a recurring committed event on my calendar as I get to connect with pretty much all key industry players covering economics update, policy makers, banks, FIs, corporate treasurers, CFOs, finance professionals and technology providers."

U Pirzada, Al Majdouie Holding Co

"Great event and by far the largest in terms of corporates, financial institutions and fintechs attending. Well done indeed!"

Y Khan, Citi

"Great opportunity for networking and to receive an outlook on trade and export for MENA."

F H Salem, NPS Energy

"An inclusive platform for trade, finance and commodities."

H Gopalan, Rescom Holdings

"A good platform to gain awareness of the market challenges faced today and the potential areas that need to be addressed."

P Shankar, OSN

"I have found this to be the most useful and relevant annual trade event in the UAE that brings all key stakeholders together for a great information exchange and networking experience!"

E U Ahmed, Dubai Islamic Bank

"The only trade finance event you need to attend in the MENA region."

D Henry, AGTB

"A well thought out agenda to cover current trends and challenges in trade and it was very well represented by all stakeholders."

K Syed, Dubai Islamic Bank

“GTR has always been a great place to network; the content, speakers and panel discussions were well chosen, engaging and relevant to the industry trends.”

L Almeida, Markel International (Dubai) Limited

"Very good balance between environmental topics, practical aspects of trade finance, and networking."

F Marret, Webcor Group

2020’s breakdown

Media coverage:

Once registered, log-in to GTR Connect to network with fellow delegates, download event materials and more!

2020 event breakdown

Hundreds of industry experts attended GTR MENA 2020 on February 17-8 to discuss the future of trade in the Middle East, including:

– Local and international banks
– Multinationals and SMEs
– Independent financiers
– Commodity brokers and traders
– Insurers and risk managers
– Lawyers and consultants
– Fintech providers
– ECAs & multilaterals

Download the post-event media kit for the 2020 event breakdown, including a list of attending companies, attendee regional and sector statistics and contributed articles.

Download the post-event media kit

Over 90 speakers in 2020:

[speakers]

Sponsors_MENA_2020_1990px_Feb04

Venue: Jumeirah Emirates Towers (Jumeirah Ballroom)

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road - United Arab Emirates

Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/jumeirah-emirates-tower

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