What is CABC?
The CABC was founded by a small group of farsighted people who, as early as 1983, saw the enormous business potential between Canada and the Arab world. Today, the CABC board and executive consists of senior level business professionals representing a range of sectors and expertise in Canada and in Arab states.
It also includes top rate lawyers and business people who have lived and worked in the region for many years as well as Canadians of Arab descent who have extensive business in both Canadian and Arab markets. Select former Canadian Ambassadors to the region as well as representatives of provincial and federal governments also bring their expertise to board deliberations.
What is CABC?
The Canada Arab Business Council is Canada’s only not-for-profit association focused exclusively on promoting trade and investment between Canada and the Arab world.
Since 1983, the Council has been the principal advocate for, and the driving force behind, Canada’s growing economic relations with Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. We also work with Arab governments to promote economic relations with Canada.
Who We are
The CABC was founded by a small group of farsighted businessmen who, in 1983, saw the enormous potential for business between Canada and the Arab world….
Why CABC?
CABC includes top-rate lawyers and business people who have lived and worked in the region for many years as well as Canadians of Arab descent who have extensive business in both Canadian and Arab markets…
Our Vision
To be the organization of choice for Canadian companies and government agencies to enable business opportunities in Arab countries…
Our Partners
CABC is pan-Arab in reach because most of our members are interested in more than one Arab market and a broader geographic base allows us to speak…
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Message from the President
Scott Jolliffe, former Chief Executive Officer of Gowling WLG, has been elected Chair of the Board of the Canada Arab Business Council (CABC), returning to the role at a time of expanding trade, investment, and institutional partnerships between Canada and countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Jolliffe succeeds Mohamad Sawwaf, who retired from the Board in June following the completion of his term. In recognition of his leadership and contributions to the Council, Sawwaf will continue to support the organization as Honorary Past Chair.
The Canada Arab Business Council is a national, non-profit business association dedicated to advancing trade, investment, education, and commercial cooperation between Canada and the Arab world. Since its founding in 1983, the CABC has served as the leading advocate for stronger economic and business relations between Canada and the countries of the Middle East and North Africa.
A long-time supporter of the Council, Jolliffe first joined the CABC Board of Directors in 2017 as Vice Chair and Secretary. He subsequently served as President from 2018 to 2019 and as Chair from 2019 to 2022. During his tenure, he played a key role in strengthening the Council’s profile and expanding engagement with both public and private sector stakeholders across Canada and the Arab region.
“As trade and investment activity between Canada and the Arab countries continues to grow, the Canada Arab Business Council plays an increasingly important role in helping Canadian and Arab businesses, educational institutions, and investors identify opportunities and build meaningful partnerships,” said Jolliffe. “I look forward to working with our members, government partners, and fellow bilateral business organizations to further advance the CABC’s mission and support greater economic collaboration between Canada and the MENA region.”
CABC President and Executive Director Cathy Séguin welcomed Jolliffe’s return to the Chair position.
“Scott brings extensive leadership experience, a deep understanding of international business, and a longstanding commitment to the Council’s mission,” said Séguin. “We are delighted to welcome him back as Chair and look forward to working together as we continue to expand opportunities for our members and strengthen Canada’s commercial relationships throughout the Arab world.”
For more information about the Canada Arab Business Council or to connect with Scott Jolliffe, please contact chair@c-abc.ca.
With appreciation,
Cathy Séguin
President & Executive Director
Partners
Patron Members
The CABC is a Canadian not-for-profit focused exclusively on bringing the Canadian and Arab business communities together.
