Kuwaiti Fawaz Al-Mudhaf appointed director of External Affairs at US-Arab Chamber of Commerce

WASHINGTON, Sept 18:  The US-Arab Chamber of Commerce has appointed Kuwaiti national Fawaz Al-Mudhaf as its new Director of External Affairs, in a strategic move aimed at deepening US-Arab economic ties and empowering emerging regional talent.

The announcement, made on Wednesday, reflects the Chamber’s broader vision to enhance cross-border cooperation and nurture young leaders capable of navigating the evolving landscape of global trade and diplomacy.

“This appointment embodies the Chamber’s commitment to developing regional talent that contributes to and enhances cross-border cooperation,” the Chamber stated in a press release. It added that the selection of Al-Mudhaf aligns with the organization’s goal of equipping emerging leaders to adapt to rapid transformations in US-Arab economic and diplomatic relations.

Al-Mudhaf is expected to spearhead the Chamber’s external affairs strategy, focusing on strengthening relations with decision-makers, global companies, and major institutions in both the United States and the Arab world. His leadership will be crucial at a time of shifting global alliances, new trade priorities, and the increasing need for international collaboration.

Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Al-Mudhaf said the role is “both an honor and a responsibility.” He emphasized that the US-Arab Chamber of Commerce is “more than just a business platform,” calling it “a trusted forum for dialogue, mutual respect, and opportunities for joint cooperation that strengthen ties between peoples.”

He affirmed his commitment to the Chamber’s mission, pledging to serve “with all sincerity” and to help consolidate US-Arab partnerships at a time when, he noted, “international communication has become more urgent than ever.”

Chamber President and CEO David Hamod praised Al-Mudhaf’s appointment, stating, “We are extremely proud of Fawaz, who is a fundamental pillar of the Chamber’s team. He is a fine example of a young Kuwaiti who is leaving an influential mark on the international scene.” Hamod added that Al-Mudhaf’s contributions are a “fundamental pillar in the Chamber’s success story.”

The US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, established over 50 years ago, is widely recognized as the oldest American organization dedicated to advancing US-Arab trade. It is often described as the “first commercial gateway” to the Middle East and North Africa for the United States.

As an independent, membership-based organization, the Chamber boasts over 50 members and partners and is the only American trade body officially recognized by both the League of Arab States and the Union of Arab Chambers. It continues to serve as a preeminent voice for American business interests in the Arab world, working to strengthen economic partnerships across the region.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers opening remarks at the Liberal caucus in Edmonton on Sept 10. (AP)

TORONTO, Sept 18, (AP): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to Mexico on Thursday in an effort to diversify trade as America’s neighbors brace for a review of the free trade deal with United States. The United States-Mexico-Canada trade pact, or USMCA, is up for review in 2026. More than 75% of Canada’s exports and more than 80% of Mexico’s go to the US Canadian Sen Peter Boehm said Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum will commiserate about US President Donald Trump.

“What are they hearing from the Americans, what we are hearing. It’s an opportunity to talk about how to handle the US administration going forward,” Boehm said. Carney is looking to improve relations with Mexico during his two-day visit after some of Canada’s provincial premiers talked last year about cutting Mexico out of any new free trade deal with the US Trump lumped Canada in with Mexico on fentanyl smuggling and promised sweeping tariffs on both countries.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said then that Trump comparing Canada to the Mexico was “the most insulting thing I’ve ever heard from our friends and closet allies, the United States of America.” Boehm said the comments by the premiers, which he deemed out of their lane, upset the Mexicans. “The Mexicans are particularly sensitive on these matters and there was concern about that, no doubt,” Boehm said.

Boehm represented the Canadian government when Sheinbaum was sworn in as Mexico’s president last year and is pushing for more engagement with Mexico. He said relations recently improved, noting Mexico appreciated Carney inviting Sheinbaum to the G7 summit in Alberta in June. Carney also sent his foreign minister as well as his finance minister to meet with Sheinbaum in August.

“A lot of people don’t realize that we trade more with Mexico than we do with the entire European Union, all of the Europe, including the UK,” Boehm said. “It’s a pretty big deal for us.” Mexico is Canada’s third-largest trading partner after the US and China. Canada was Mexico’s fifth-largest trading partner in 2024. But trade with the US remains paramount for both countries and preserving the free trade pact will be critical.

A key exemption for Canada and Mexico shields the vast majority of goods from the punishing duties. Canadian and Mexican companies can claim preferential treatment under the USMCA. But Trump has some sector-specific tariffs, known as 232 tariffs, that are having an impact. There is a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum imports.  

KUWAIT CITY, Sep 16: Agility KSCP, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, has announced the successful conclusion of the 2025 edition of the Kuwait Codes program as part of its ongoing strategic partnership with CODED Academy.

Now in its fourth year, Kuwait Codes has established itself as a leading platform for developing tech and coding talent in Kuwait, providing free training in 2025 to more than 1,000 high school students in app, web, and game development, as well as cybersecurity.

During the closing ceremony, Agility KSCP recognized student achievements by presenting Agility’s award for the “Most Ready for Market Project” for Kuwait Codes 2025. The award was given to Salah Younes Ali, whose project stood out for its innovation and real-world potential.

Agility KSCP is committed to empowering and investing in youth development in Kuwait through strategic partnerships with leading non-profits that expand access to technical and vocational education. Its collaboration with CODED Academy stands as a strong example, with more than 4,500 young learners reached since the launch of the “Kuwait Codes” program in 2022, including 1,072 in 2025 alone, equipping them with essential coding and entrepreneurship skills.

Agility KSCP’s CSR program underscores the private sector’s critical role in advancing youth development and fostering innovation in Kuwait. This year, Agility KSCP aims to reach over 5,000 individuals nationwide through initiatives focused on education, technology, and entrepreneurship, building on two decades of partnerships that have already impacted more than 51,000 people across the country.