Global challenges faced by expanding Arab telecom companies

Held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Hassan Abdallah Fakhro, Minister of Industry & Commerce in Bahrain, the forum offered industry leaders an opportunity to discuss collaboration and investment in many sectors.

i2 has a presence in 22 markets across the Middle East and Africa. Over the past year i2 products and services reached customers through over 340 retail stores. With a strong presence across the region, i2 has become one of the leaders in telecommunications industry. Due to i2's wide geographic presence and experience, they are well-versed on the challenges and difficulties faced when conducting international business.

Speaking at the event, Abdul Hammed Al Sunaid offered his insights on the telecommunications industry and suggestions on ways to advance into international markets. "The industry has experienced exponential growth in the last few years and there is still more potential for Arab telecommunication companies in the rest of the world," said Al Sunaid. During his speech he also explained the obstacles and challenges faced by companies in the region, highlighting the factors that limit their growth.

"The region with huge potential for telecommunication companies in this region is Africa. Yet even there we are faced with a few challenges. This is why this forum is important as it help all the industry leaders come together to discuss ways in which we can overcome these obstacles,"

he added.

Another key issue discussed was VAT and high customs duties that stunt investment and encourage illegal trade in the region. "Many countries have reformed their taxation policies to soothe the problems faced by their economies. It is in my opinion that other countries consider the same to diffuse problematic situations," he added.

The forum successfully brought together key opinions from other authorities in the telecommunications industry, opened the discussion about future expectations and offered a brief look at the next generation technologies.