USSEC brought together for the first time a large group of soy protein commercial decision makers from throughout the Maghreb, the Mediterranean Rim, the Gulf States and Egypt in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.   The Dubai Commercial Launch is an exciting new event for the USSEC organization designed to introduce and discuss the new USSEC Middle East/North Africa (MENA) and Asia Subcontinent (ASC) regional structure. The event provided a regional forum to connect USSEC leadership and team members, U.S. trade and industry representatives, U.S. grower leaders, regional FAS leaders, and regional soy protein commercial leaders and influencers.
Sharon Covert, Vice Chair, USSEC; USB Director and U.S. Grower Leader, gave the opening address.   Alan Kemper, Past Chairman and Past-President of the American Soybean Association (ASA), then provided a producer’s perspective of the business of farming in America.

John Baize, USSEC contractor, discussed global soy protein and opportunities for the commodity in the Middle East.   Tom Hammer, President of the National Oilseed Processors Association, then highlighted the U.S. processing industry.   Wayne Bacon, President, Hammersmith Marketing Ltd., then discussed contracts and risk assessment of U.S. soy procurement.

Next, market specific information was provided by: G. Chandrasekhar, Associate Editor, Hindu Business Line; Dr. Faisal Awawdeh, Regional Coordinator for Arabia Peninsula Program of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas; and Dr. Tarek Hatem, Professor of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship for the American University in Cairo.

The forum concluded with brief market overviews from industry expects and a roundtable on the commercial aspects of U.S. soy protein in the Middle East.