MEB celebrates 20 years and broadens its horizons
The Monaco Economic Board (MEB) held its Annual General Meeting at the Yacht Club de Monaco on Thursday 22nd March, during which members approved an amendment to the association’s statutes that widens the scope of its actions, with the arrival of Guillaume Rose in the new post of Chief Executive Officer. The meeting ended with a cocktail attended by HSH the Sovereign Prince to celebrate its 20th anniversary, at which MEB Chairman Michel Dotta introduced two new promotional films.
It began with an Extraordinary General Meeting when members approved an amendment to the statutes which in essence creates a position for an Chief Executive Officer to boost the MEB’s role as coordinator of promotional operations abroad involving public and parastatal entities. The mission, entrusted to MEB by the Minister of State in 2016, takes on an added dimension with the arrival of Guillaume Rose, and will make use of the Tourism and Convention Authority’s offices abroad. A key objective is for them to broaden their spectrum of activity under the MEB’s authority.
During the AGM which followed, MEB reported back to members on the 50-plus events organised or jointly organised with its partners at Team Monaco and outside in 2018.
Flagship events included Trade Missions abroad arranged by the MEB’s Monaco Chamber of Commerce division to Stockholm, as well as accompanying HSH the Sovereign Prince to Beijing and Dubai. Feedback was very positive, with member companies being very satisfied with 80% of the 490 contacts made, and some members able to conclude business initiated beforehand.
At home, the MEB hosted several foreign delegations, organised a number of high-level talks, as well as the popular Members Rendezvous that regularly bring people together in an informal environment. For MEB members these are all excellent opportunities to ‘talk business’ while also promoting the Principality.
Meanwhile, Monaco Invest, the division responsible for promoting Monaco to potential investors organised targeted events in London, Switzerland, Singapore and Dubai as well as locally, with very positive results in line with Monaco’s requirements.
Lastly, in addition to publicising these activities year-round, the MEB is right behind the 7th Eco Club Awards that put the spotlight on remarkable entrepreneurs in the Principality.
The 2019 programme is already in full swing and after a recent highly successful Trade Mission to India accompanying HSH Prince Albert II, other trips are planned to Vienna (13-15 May) and Bucharest (5-7 November). Talks, visits by foreign delegations and more networking events are also in the diary. The MEB also continues to ramp up its prospecting activities, while gradually implementing the new organisation.
As the AGM drew to a close, Chairman Michel Dotta presented Guillaume Rose with a tie as a symbolic welcome for a man he described as “a high-level professional and international expert”.
The new Chief Executive Officer announced his three main objectives which are “to maintain, listen to and showcase this magnificent MEB team, to listen and act on what other professionals have to say, and to leverage the MEB’s activities abroad.”
Minister of State H.E. Mr Serge Telle then took to the stage to pay tribute to Michel Dotta “without whom the MEB would not be what it is today” and welcome the arrival of Guillaume Rose “who will contribute to the MEB’s role as coordinator, ensuring Monaco is better equipped to reach out more, be listened to more and be more influential”.
Members then moved to the YCM’s prestigious Ballroom for the 20th anniversary cocktail party, attended by HSH Prince Albert II and government officials. Over 400 guests accepted the invitation, and were shown a short film looking back at what has been accomplished over the last 20 years, including 520 operations in over 40 countries.
To finish, Michel Dotta then introduced two brand new promotional films by the MEB that highlight what is special about Monaco - its people - and thanked HSH Prince Albert II who took part in one of the films: “the Prince with a heart, the Prince of our hearts” he concluded. These new promotional tools should prove invaluable to all those involved in driving Monaco’s economy and more broadly to the Principality’s reputation and influence on the international scene.
At the AGM, H.E. Mr Serge Telle, Minister of State, with MEB Chairman Michel Dotta and the new MEB CEO Guillaume Rose (© MEB/Carte Blanche)
HSH Prince Albert II and officials at the MEB’s 20th Anniversary Cocktail (© MEB/Carte Blanche)
