February 18-19, 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Overview
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Having celebrated the largest ever edition of GTR MENA in 2024, welcoming a record-breaking 1,136 attendees, GTR is excited to return to Dubai on February 18-19, 2025, bigger, better and ready to host the region’s leading content and networking platform for the global trade, export, commodity and supply chain finance community.

The annual two-day conference will provide high value networking opportunities, enabling delegates to catch up with industry friends, forge new business connections and meet with highly esteemed exhibitors from leading trade service providers across the Middle East and North Africa. Over 80 industry experts will explore the latest trends and developments, highlighting both challenges and opportunities whilst offering future projections of the market. The GTR team looks forward to welcoming you there!

2025 key discussion themes:

Leadership, innovation and sustainability: Driving economic growth through empowerment
Diversification, state support and ‘flight to quality’: The commodity financing melting pot
Delivering trade growth: Do banks need to less cautious?
Opening new doors for trade: The corporate perspective
Milestones reached but challenges ahead: How can digital reach the parts others can’t?
Is supply chain finance on a downward curve?

2025 event features:

45+ exhibitors
5+ hours of networking opportunities with key stakeholders in the industry
Unparalleled expertise from 80+ speakers
Exceptional content on topics and regions covered
Enhanced networking with opportunities to schedule meetings and swap business cards
Invitation to the evening networking reception

“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)

“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)

"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

"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

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

M Aryan, National Bank of Bahrain (NBB)

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

L Morel, APICORP

"GTR MENA gets bigger and better every year!"

S Pullolickel, GE

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

D Henry, AGTB

"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

"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

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

Y Khan, Citi

"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

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

P Koththigoda, Shell

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

V Varghese, Genuine International Automobile

"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

"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

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

A Dasani, BBK Online

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

G Wilson, Intertek

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

"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

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

P Luketa, CB Advisers

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

H Gopalan, Rescom Holdings

"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

"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

"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.

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

G Slawther, Corporate Advisory Resources

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

Z Meyer, Nedbank CIB

"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

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

I Loktionov, Panasia Energy

"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

"Very informative and timely."

M Yousuf, Tetra Pak

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

Dr A Mahate, Dubai Industries & Exports

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

H Ashraf, Novelis

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

P Mukherjee, Adebs Management Consultants

"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

“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

"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

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

R Harding, Coriolis Technologies

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

F H Salem, NPS Energy

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

A Sabri, Gulf Associates

"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 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

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

A Sunderkumar, Standard Chartered

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

N Kumar, United Arab Bank

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

S Ozkan, SMBC Group

"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

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

P Mukherjee, Adebs Management Consultants

“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

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

P Shankar, OSN

“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

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

S Kuriyakkattil, Bank FAB

"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

"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

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

P Koththigoda, Shell

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

A Sayed, Lloyd's List Intelligence

"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

"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

"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

"Great sessions, excellent moderation and content."

Y Khan, Citi

"Great speakers and excellent for networking."

M Wahsh, Abu Dhabu Ports 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

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

K Duraiswamy, ADCB

"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

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

M Livsey, IORA

"An excellent networking forum!"

S Huraiz, GE Healthcare

“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 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

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

B Gupta, Olam Agri

"GTR events are the window of the future."

F Lahbib, OCP Group

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

A Ganguli, RAKBANK

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

N Nazar, EGIS 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

"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

"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

"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

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

A David, ALEC Group

Download the event programme below for information on the event agenda and speakers. The annual event provides a highly anticipated opportunity to connect with all corners of the market, from local and international banks to multinational corporations and SMEs, fintechs and alternative financiers, commodity brokers and traders, insurers and risk managers, lawyers, consultants, ECAs, multilaterals and more!

Over 80 senior to C-level speakers expected

Abdulla Al-Taee

Chief Operating Officer United Arab Bank

Ahmad Hamam

Senior Head, Product & Channel Implementation, Transaction Banki Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

Ahmad Al Hassan

Chief Financial Officer DP World

Alexander Peters

Group Chief Financial Officer Torq Commodities

Alexandre Toussaint

Senior Underwriter, Political Risk Insurance & Credit Africa Specialty Risks

Amr Haddad

Head of Transaction Banking National Bank of Kuwait

Asli Karapinar

Vice-President, Cash Performance, Data & Transformation Scheider Electric

Ben Jones

Chief Financial Officer Kent

Brendan Du Preez

SVP, Global Head of Trade Finance Product Management Mashreq

Bruno Massera

Chief Financial Officer, International Markets BRF

Carlos Teixeira

Global Head, Business Strategy, Lending Finastra

Caryn Pace-Messenger

Managing Director, Global Trade & Supply Chain Finance, Global T Bank of America

Charles Ike

Vice-President, Maritime Trade Pole Star

Charlie Steers

Director, Regional Head of Commodity Trade Finance MENAT HSBC

Ehsaan Ahmed

Executive Vice-President, Head of Transaction Banking RAKBANK

Eleonore Treu

Legal & Director of ICC Austria Trade Finance Week ICC Austria

Eric Orsini

Global Head of Compliance & Regulatory Affairs Lloyd's List Intelligence

Farooq Siddiqi

Ventures Lead SC Ventures

Farrukh Siddiqui

Founding Partner Emerging Capital Management Partners

Geoffrey White

Chief Executive Officer Agility

George Koukis

International Business Development Director, Receivables & SCF S Qualco

George Wilson

Chief Executive Officer Asset & Resource Management Holding Company (ARM HoldCo)

Gina Lim

Managing Director, Head of Asian Corporates, Commodities, Intern DBS Bank

Graham Scopes

Country Head, UAE & Kuwait UK Export Finance (UKEF)

Gwen Mwaba

Managing Director, Trade Finance & Correspondent Banking Afreximbank

Hamayoun Khan

Head of Trade Finance & Working Capital Commercial Bank of Dubai

Hussein Al Hussein

Head of Strategic Partnerships Farm To Plate

Isabella Pateman

Chief Risk Officer BACB

Ishwar Haswani

Chief Executive Officer, Group Finance E3 Energy

Joon Kim

Managing Director & Global Head of Trade Finance BNY

Krishna Prasad KS

Managing Director Aster Marine Cargo

Laetitia Alonso

EMEA Sales Executive Komgo

Laszlo Varnai

Associate Director Recovery Advisers

Laura Buckwell

Journalist & Broadcaster Independent

Leo Tyndall

Chief Executive Officer Tyndall Insurance

Lisa Knudsen

Vice-President & Head of ESG RAKBANK

Madiha Aslam

Director, Structured Finance Innovo Group

Marc Auboin

Counsellor World Trade Organization (WTO)

Marcelo Moulin

Head of Trade Sales, Middle East & Pakistan, Services - Treasury Citi

Mark Lakin

Partner Stephenson Harwood

Mark Emmerson

Head of Global Transaction Banking Al Masraf

Martin Tricaud

Group Head of Investment Banking First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

Merlin Dowse

Executive Director, Global Trade Finance Product Management J.P. Morgan

Mohamed Sharaf

Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Investment Attraction Dubai Economic Development Corporation

Mohamed El Ghamry

Head of Corporate & Transaction Banking, National Bank of Fujairah (NBF)

Nader Aboushadi

Sidara

Naresh Aggarwal

Associate Policy & Technical Director Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT)

Natasha Abdulelah Saleh

Project Manager Abu Dhabi Export Office (ADEX)

Nathalie Louat

Director, Trade & Supply Chain Finance International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Neal Harm

Secretary General FCI

Nicolas Pochon

Lead, Trade Finance & Supply Chain Finance Tesselate

Niraj Kumar

Head of Global Transaction Banking United Arab Bank

Nora Sena

Regional Treasurer, MEA, Pakistan & Turkey Nestlé

Olasunkanmi Owoyemi

Managing Director Sunbeth Global Concepts

Pamela Mar

Managing Director ICC Digital Standards Initiative (DSI)

Peter Matza

Council Member Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT)

Raja Al Mazrouei

Chief Executive Etihad Credit Insurance

Ramy Fahmy

Regional Treasury Lead, MENA Jacobs

Rasheed Hinnawi

Regional Head of PMD MENAT HSBC

Rebekah Fajemirokun

Head of Trade Finance Eminent Energy

Reda Ezzat

Senior Vice-President, Head of Structured Trade Finance Mashreq

Rene Canezin

Managing Partner & Co-founder Evolution Credit Partners

Renganathan Kandiyur

Head of Product Development, Group Transaction Banking Bank ABC

Robert Besseling

Chief Executive Officer Pangea-Risk

Rohini Kamath

Head of Commercial Banking Trade, UAE HSBC

Sachin Rustagi

Head of Trade Finance Wio Bank

Sarath Sasikumar

President & Co-Founder Cleareye.ai

Selima Mehiri

Head of Trade & Working Capital APAC & Middle East Barclays

Shona Tatchell

Director, Trade Facilitation Programme EBRD

Sinan Ozcan

Senior Executive Officer & Board Director DP World Trade Finance

Stephan Wolf

Chair Verifiable.Trade Foundation

Steven Beck

Head of Trade & Supply Chain Finance Programme Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Sunil Senapati

Chief Executive Officer XDC Trade Network

Syed Zaeem

Standard Chartered

Syed Imtiaz Hussain

Regional Head of Product & Propositions, Middle East, North Africa & Turkey, Global Trade & Receivables Finance HSBC

Toby Shore

Senior Director, Group Treasury, Risk & Insurance, Group Treasury Risk & Insurance Emirates Aluminium

Torsten Richter

Director, Treasury & Funding CEER National Automotive Company

Vincent O'Brien

Director ICC UAE

Vinit Mishra

Head of Treasury, Nutrisco (ETG Group)

Warren Rogers

Head of Trade Finance Tether

Xu Jun

Deputy General Manager, Global Transaction Banking Bank of China

Zena Brake

Credit Director, Middle East Allianz Trade

Zhann Meyer

Head of Agricultural Commodities, Agricultural Commodities Nedbank CIB

Zul Javaid

Chief Executive Officer Haifin

Booking Enquiries

Booking Team at bookings@gtreview.com

Sponsorship Opportunities

Business Development Manager

Tom Easey at teasey@gtreview.com

Speaking opportunities

Director of Content & Production

Jeff Ando at jando@gtreview.com

Partnership Opportunities

Senior Marketing Exectuive

James Henderson at jhenderson@gtreview.com