Ann Arbor, Mich. — For the first time in nearly 20 years, representatives from Michigan’s government, businesses, and nonprofits will embark on a delegation to Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The delegation, led by U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez and the American Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), in collaboration with the Michigan Municipal League (MML) Foundation, will meet with key leaders to promote strategic global partnerships, strengthen subnational diplomacy, create opportunities for foreign direct investment, expand global networks and support cultural, educational and workforce exchanges.

Attendees on the trip will include representatives from federal, state, county and local governments and government agencies: Oakland County, Washtenaw County, Wayne County, Cassopolis and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

AACC Founder and Chairman Ahmad Chebbani emphasized the significance of this milestone. "The AACC has a proud history of connecting local economies with global partners through international delegations. These missions have historically opened doors to new markets, investments and collaborations in Michigan and beyond," he said. "I have known and worked with Under Secretary Fernandez for several years. Each time our paths have crossed, I am impressed with his authenticity, leadership in engaging our community and his commitment to doing the right thing. Partnering with leaders like him amplifies our mission and highlights the importance of building long-lasting relationships for our state. I am confident this trip will create opportunities for Michigan and build on the legacy of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce in building economic bridges and forging lasting partnerships.”

This delegation is also a part of the ongoing work of the MML Foundation to promote subnational diplomacy in Michigan. Earlier this year, the MML Foundation and U.S. Department of State signed a Letter of Cooperation in support of the Michigan City and State Diplomacy Initiative, led by former U.S. diplomat and the MML Foundation’s Senior Fellow Julie Egan.

Julie Egan spoke on the leadership of Michigan’s local leaders and the State Department’s Subnational Diplomacy Initiative partnership with Michigan. "Under Secretary Fernandez’s commitment to strengthening the roles of diaspora communities and building global partnerships in Michigan, including with our Arab American community, spans two decades. Under his leadership, this historic trip to Qatar, Oman and the UAE will position Michigan’s local leaders and innovators to build lasting relationships in key areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation, art, culture, sports, housing, climate and others that will impact Michigan's communities for years to come.”

Under Secretary Fernandez also spoke about the importance of the delegation.
"I am looking forward to building economic bridges between Michigan, the Arab American community and the MENA region on our delegation. The trip will support the State Department’s partnership with the Michigan Municipal League Foundation to further subnational diplomacy here in Michigan."

AACC Executive Director Bilal Hammoud highlighted the trip’s potential to create enduring partnerships. "As the state of Michigan has evolved over the years, I believe we have never been better positioned to set the narrative for how we’ve grown to be globally competitive. Building these relationships with international governments and Michigan leadership to showcase not only our cohesiveness as a state but also the opportunities for partnership and investment that exist now that never have before, truly sets us up for success. Together, we are bringing back best practices from global innovation hubs and opening doors for Michigan.”

The American Arab Chamber of Commerce builds economic bridges by promoting and empowering the business community it serves on a local, national and international level.

The Michigan Municipal League (MML) Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Michigan Municipal League (the League). The MML Foundation supports innovative work through partnerships, grants and programming that creatively and intentionally bring people together and build community wealth.

Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan’s communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services, and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan’s greatest centers of potential: its communities. The League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. Learn more at mml.org.