Despite President Donald Trump’s “America first” approach to dealing with U.S. businesses investing abroad, and despite his administration’s rhetoric about the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region (e.g., strong opposition to the Iran nuclear deal; a ban on travelers from several Muslim-majority countries), many companies are still looking to invest in the region.
How Multinationals Can Grow in the Middle East and Africa
They’re the fastest-growing markets outside of Asia.
April 20, 2017
Summary.
Despite President Donald Trump’s “America first” approach to dealing with U.S. businesses investing abroad, and despite his administration’s rhetoric about the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, many companies are still looking to invest in the region. Research forecasts that the region will offer the second-fastest economic growth (after the emerging Asia-Pacific) in 2017. But to capture any opportunities and generate profitable growth, companies need to adapt their businesses to changing customer needs (e.g., more competitive prices, more localized products) and improve their risk management and operational efficiency. Three key areas need to change: demand creation, product adaptation, and distributor capabilities.