Private sector connections are crucial for success of business

Connections are integral in all activities. In the world of business, the power of the private sector to connect with one another, even as it is governments which traditionally unlatch for the connections, have been discussed recently.

Passageway was the “The NextBiz Thing – BizNext International Summit 2025.” Principal guests were Philippine Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Marford Angeles and Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)-Technology Entrepreneurship Senior Vice President Ghanim Al Falasi.

Both spoke before a multi-ethnic audience of UAE residents, either new and seasoned expatriate workers or the third culture. Two were Dagaz Management Consultancy Managing Partner Ian Hyndman and Top Brands Managing Director Bipin Mulani.

Hyndman and Mulani, at two panel discussions, talked of their learnings and insights on the energetic rise of the UAE and particularly Dubai, as a multi-faceted international hub, within 50 years.

In attendance too were 21 entrepreneurs across the Philippines, courtesy of the Department of Trade and Industry-Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (Dubai) led by Department of Agriculture-Export Development Special Assistant Philip Young.

In particular, Al Falasi traced the dynamism of Dubai. From a mere desert to being a global magnet for innovations and revolutionary initiatives; because impossibilities are turned around as opportunities, under the baton of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

Entrepreneurial spirit swarm because of specialised zones such as the DSO, well-placed logistics and regulations, as well as the guarantee of peace and harmony.

“We do business together,” said Al Falasi, adding that even the virtual Ministry of Possibilities had been set up.

In his “Bridging Borders: The Future of the Philippines-United Arab Emirates Business Relations,” keynote speech, Consul General Angeles stated that it is “those personal connections, those face-to-face communication, face-to-face involvement and bringing people together in one room” from near-and-far “that is very important.”

“Governments can talk to each other and sign agreements. But it is like opening a door. Who will go through that door? It is the private sector who will be producing ideas for both countries, the Philippines and the UAE to thrive in this ever-changing environment,” Angeles also said. On the sidelines, concerning choices as well as the latest global trends and headwinds, Off The Hook Group Managing Director Rolly Brucales defined tariffs and protectionism as chances for businesses to improve more, in order to become “more competitive and resilient.”

Yet, strategic are “strong and united Filipino business communities,” among the enablers, that assist emerging and established enterprises “navigate global trade challenges, reduce dependence on USA markets and drive investments back home.”

Reel Dunes Managing Director Sam Martin said: “Despite shifts in trade policies, including tariffs and protectionist measures, the key lies in adaptability. By forming strong business networks, leveraging regional economic partnerships like the Philippines-UAE trade relations, and embracing digital transformation, we can mitigate risks and collaborations, and advocate for policies that support Filipino businesses abroad.”

A successful business landscape is an environment that permits the entry and transition of even the micro-small-medium enterprises, into stable institutions, either domestically or internationally, for “job creation, innovation and economic progress.”

Coinvesting Holding Chief-of-Staff Karen Kriska Demafeliz who dared to jump into the blockchain space and cryptocurrency said that first-and-foremost, the daring should resist scammers. They must connect with those who sincerely want to guide them with regards “the technology, including blockchain, smart contracts and crypto assets. Always do your own research by analyzing whitepapers, development teams, and real world use cases rather than relying on hype.”

“Effective risk management is very, very important. Never invest more than you can afford to lose and diversify your portfolio. Security is crucial. So use hardware wallets and avoid storing large amounts on exchanges,” Demafeliz added.

“Franchising offers an ideal model for business growth and provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a proven framework to succeed. Dubai is a strategic gateway for international brand awareness and expansion. Its vibrant market and diverse consumer based present incredible opportunities for growth, making it a perfect location for franchising,” said Famous Group Chief Operations Officer Jackie Cezar Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz described her “significant leap” into franchising, from her 20-year energy sector experience, replete with international international assignments, as that which has provided her “new exciting opportunities.”