Alshaya calls for international cooperation at World Retail Congress in Barcelona

Mr. Alshaya highlighted that Middle East-based retailers could help the West by sharing lessons about managing a successful multicultural workforce.

"Middle East-based retailers have developed some of the most diverse workforces in the world. The lessons we have learned are of interest to western countries as they face a decline in numbers of young people in their home markets, which was one of the main sources of employment until now," he said.

He pointed out that the Western retail industry could also advise the Middle East and Emerging Markets on developing locally sourced retail talent.

Mr. Alshaya said it was a great honor to be invited to speak to the retailing world at such an event, as it is a clear indication of the global recognition and important status of Middle East and Emerging Markets retail.

"The retail knowledge and expertise of the Middle East is now being taken seriously by other countries," he said. "We were once a region that imported knowledge and expertise. This is changing fast. We have many interesting topics to talk about, and people want to listen. It is clear we can play a greater role in sharing our knowledge and working together with our counterparts in other parts of the world."

Mr. Alshaya also provided a franchisee's perspective on global franchising based on his experience in 13 countries across the Middle East, Turkey, Russia and Southern/Eastern Europe. During a panel discussion on the subject he highlighted the characteristics of Alshaya's markets that have led to increasing outside interest, including higher retail growth rates, growing per capita income levels, and the rapid development of high quality shopping malls.

"Finding a balance between the opportunities offered by the current retail boom and the responsibility to invest back into the community is vital," Alshaya added.

"As retailers, we all have a responsibility to serve our customers and communities, not only by selling high quality products but also by providing jobs and incomes to the families in the region, to support the long term growth of our economies. I urge all retailers to take this responsibility seriously for the long term benefit of our industry," he said.