Dubai- Citigroup’s Middle East and Africa (MEA) Media and Community summit commenced on Tuesday in Dubai. After being held in London for four years, this summit was held in Dubai for the very first time. Previously, it was focused on Europe’s market, however this year it will focus completely on the Middle East and Africa, said Public Affairs and Government Relations Head, Middle East and Africa, at Citigroup, Karim Seifeddin,.
“The Middle East and Africa is an area of focus and growth for the bank and that is why Citigroup is present in 25 of 28 counties of the region to fulfil the needs of the different categories of consumers in the region,” said Citigroup Country Officer, United Arab Emirates, Elissar Farah Antonios.
This summit, held for just one day, is focusing on how to get financial and social insights which are of current relevance. Daily News Egypt attended the summit and covered the conference sessions.
“Realising growth and revenues is not the only indicator of success and growth for Citigroup, rather, enabling growth and progress in the countries we are working in is our target. The private sector has now a more important role: addressing social problems and barriers,” said Head of Corporate Citizenship at Citigroup and President of Citigroup Foundation, Brandee McHale.
She mentioned that youth employment and promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) are now the actual drivers of economic growth. That is why, she added, Citigroup is now focusing, especially in the Middle East and Africa region, on helping governments work on these two aspects. “The wealth gap is getting wider, and the youth are struggling to find employment,” she added.
On the other hand, Citigroup is also working to help SMEs in the region to easily find financing for their projects. “SMEs will be an important driver of economic growth in the region, and that is why we are focusing on finding smart solutions to facilitate their means of financing,” she concluded.
