Middle East Partnership Initiative Middle East Entrepreneur Training (October 4, 2004)

Released by the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
October 4, 2004

Updated MEET Opportunities

The Middle East Entrepreneur Training in the United States (MEET U.S.) is an innovative training program designed to identify, develop and sustain a new corps of business leaders for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. MEET U.S. provides skills training, professional networking, and alumni support systems to increase the managerial and entrepreneurial leadership skills for growing Middle Eastern and North African companies. The program’s goal is to help promising executives, managers and entrepreneurs realize their aspirations to build successful, growing enterprises that will contribute to economic growth and community well-being in the MENA region.

The training consists of two unique programs that will take place in San Diego, California. The first training program is designed for senior executives in growth-oriented companies. This two-week program will target executives from a range of industries. Participants must have over 10 years of business experience, demonstrate a record of community involvement, and exhibit significant potential for expanded leadership in their companies, communities and countries. The first senior executive program will take place in December 2004.

The second training program is a series of three-week courses focused on younger emerging leaders in growth-oriented companies in specific industries. The three separate industry-specific groups will be information, communication, and technology; business services; and agribusiness. Participants in this program must have 5 to10 years of business experience, have shown involvement in their community, and exhibit potential for expanded leadership roles in their companies and communities. The sector-specific courses will take place in 2005.

The program covers international and domestic travel, health insurance, housing and a living stipend in the U.S. The program is open to citizens from the following countries and territories: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel (limited to Israeli Arab citizens), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza and Yemen.

Applications for the first series of MEET U.S. programs closed on July 31, 2004. The MEET U.S. program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of the Middle East Partnership Initiative and implemented by the Beyster Institute in collaboration with America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST) and the Department of Commerce.

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