In geopolitics, we’ve become used to acronyms such as the G8, the G20, the BRICs, the OECD and many others. MENA (Middle East, North Africa) is another in a long list. It is, however, increasingly clear that the sheer diversity if politics and economics in the MENA countries means that its value as a portmanteau label is limited.
Judging by the engagement at the ACTME’s most recent talkingtreasury in Abu Dhabi, though, corporate treasury management is in rude health across the region. Treasurers have had to learn some difficult lessons in the past few years, dealing with the property crisis in Dubai, the Arab Spring, and volatility in carbon prices. The region’s risks and opportunities remain balanced – just maybe not evenly in all organisations – and treasurers need to take some time to look objectively at their organisations.
One clear message in recent years is that as credit becomes scarcer, so treasurers must focus on building a bankable, commercial model they can offer to their lenders and investors. Successful treasurers must be able to communicate their strategy effectively or the message will be lost. Being resourceful may not be a traditional must-have on a treasurer’s CV but being inventive and adding value undoubtedly fit the current bill. The ACTME offers the ideal forum for treasurers and finance managers to work through these issues with their peers and colleagues.
Join our ACTME LinkedIn group (www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2869677) to continue to follow treasury developments at the ACT Middle East.
PETER MATZA
ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR, ACT