International Focus Magazine Premiere Edition | Page 44

learn all they can about that part
of the world. They are the ones
who will be dealing with their
Aida: Politicians and the com- future counterparts in the region.
plex geopolitics of the region are By participating in this diplomatic
one thing we leave to think tanks simulation conference they gain
and other politically oriented or- first hand knowledge about the
ganizations. We focus on com- issues facing the region. Upon
mercial diplomacy. We’ve realized graduation and through this expethat the private sector is where we rience American college students
see mended relationships where can go on to be more informed
mutual respect and mutual ben- policy makers, lawyers, journalists
efit underlie the interaction. That or business people. It has been a
said, we let people know the dif- very gratifying to see the conferficulties they may face and offer ence grow to include universithe chamber to help them navi- ties from throughout the states of
gate their way to success. There Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and
are challenges and pitfalls when Louisiana.
doing business internationally and
especially the MENA region, our Sonia: And another educational
programs are geared towards ad- outreach for the chamber involves
dressing those challenges, offering taking a delegation of teachers each
solutions and options that help year to the Middle East … and it
companies overcome the poten- is called TEACH? (Sonia & Aida
laugh)
tial hurdles.
Sonia: what about the
geopolitical arena?

ture of their countr