July 31, 2025

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The first part of its hybrid offering for the year – with an in-person event scheduled for September 22 in Dubai – GTR MENA 2021 Virtual took place on February 15-17, in a digital setting for the first time. The event brought market leaders together to discuss the region’s trade prospects and priorities, assessing a range of topics including business resilience levels, digitisation drives, the rise of ESG, new trade corridors and the importance of managing risk in a challenging global climate.

Featuring various chatrooms, discussion forums and a 3D interactive exhibition, participants were provided with the opportunity to watch a range of sessions – both live and on-demand – along with the chance to network and connect with over 1,700 participants from a wide variety of backgrounds. You can now access all video session recordings via GTR’s multimedia page. For a further breakdown, download our post-event media kit and key event takeaways from GTR’s in-house editorial and event content and production teams.

Join us again later this year for GTR MENA 2021 Dubai, or event GTR Saudi Arabia 2021 Riyadh as we hope to host our in-person events once again.

Top sessions included:

Roundtable: “A year is a long time” – building trade resilience post-2020
Adopting new approaches to risk in the financing of trade
Digitisation in the new normal – taking the next step
Case study: Going live with UAE Trade Connect (UTC)
Keynote: Hoping for the best, planning for the worst

Who attended:

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

Follow the conversation on social media!

#GTRMENA

"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

"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

"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

"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

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

P Mukherjee, Adebs Management Consultants

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

A David, ALEC Group

"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

“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

"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

"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

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

I Loktionov, Panasia Energy

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

Z Meyer, Nedbank CIB

“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 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 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

"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

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

L Morel, APICORP

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

P Mukherjee, Adebs Management Consultants

"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

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

S Kuriyakkattil, Bank FAB

"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

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

V Varghese, Genuine International Automobile

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

A Sunderkumar, Standard Chartered

"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

"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

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

P Luketa, CB Advisers

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

B Gupta, Olam Agri

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

M Livsey, IORA

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

N Nazar, EGIS Group

"Very informative and timely."

M Yousuf, Tetra Pak

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

G Wilson, Intertek

"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

"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

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

K Duraiswamy, ADCB

"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.

"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

"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

"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

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

R Harding, Coriolis Technologies

"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

"Great sessions, excellent moderation and content."

Y Khan, Citi

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

S Ozkan, SMBC Group

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

A Dasani, BBK Online

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

M Aryan, National Bank of Bahrain (NBB)

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

F H Salem, NPS Energy

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

“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)

"An excellent networking forum!"

S Huraiz, GE Healthcare

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

P Shankar, OSN

"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

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

D Henry, AGTB

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

H Ashraf, Novelis

"Great speakers and excellent for networking."

M Wahsh, Abu Dhabu Ports Group

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

Y Khan, Citi

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

F Marret, Webcor Group

“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

"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 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 gets bigger and better every year!"

S Pullolickel, GE

"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

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

G Slawther, Corporate Advisory Resources

"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 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

"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

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

P Koththigoda, Shell

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

H Gopalan, Rescom Holdings

"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 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

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

N Kumar, United Arab Bank

"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

"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

"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 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

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

A Ganguli, RAKBANK

“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 events are the window of the future."

F Lahbib, OCP Group

Held for the first time digitally GTR MENA 2021 Virtual welcomed a larger and more diverse audience than in previous years. Over 1,700 senior-level professionals from across banking & financial services, corporates & traders, government organisations, technology providers, regulator & policy influencers, and more, join in on the lively debate, voting and 3d experience.

Download our Post-event media kit for a further breakdown of the event.

A big thank you to our speakers:

Speakers included

[speakers]

Thank you to our sponsors

BECOME A SPONSOR

As the world’s leading trade, commodity and export finance publisher and event organiser, GTR offers sponsors and advertisers unrivalled exposure and profiling among their peer and client groups. GTR can offer various appealing options that would strategically and effectively help raise the profile of the partner, and offer a highly effective platform with which to showcase its capabilities and mission.

Why Sponsor?

– Speak to a room full of industry stakeholders

– Enhancing your brand awareness to your target market and audience

– Elevating your profile amongst peers and all industry stakeholders

– Position your company as an industry leader

– Attract new businesses, agents, customers and partners

– Deliver your message to a gathering of key players

>> Request the Sponsorship brochure

Contact Ed Virtue for sponsorship opportunities.

evirtue@gtreview.com | +44 (0)20 8772 3008

>> Request Media or Institutional Partnership

Institutional partnerships are available for government organisations and public bodies. Media partnerships and press passes are available.

Contact Elisabeth Spry for partnership opportunities.

espry@gtreview.com | +44 (0)20 8772 3006

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