Saad Ishtiaq

Founded the Central American & Caribbean office for Dubai Chambers, representing 300k customers in this region, and lead strategic initiatives regarding promotion of Dubai business, stakeholder relationship, as well as providing regular market research and strategic feedback to colleagues and stakeholders.

• Facilitated USD15 million monthly business deal for Colombian exporter by providing market intelligence, customer segmentation, competitive analysis, and entry strategy support.
• Assisted Panamanian Export Agency make USD300K+ investment in Dubai market by selling its benefits as business hub, maintaining good relationships with decision-makers, and providing strategic research and market information.
• Spearheaded opening of Dubai Chambers International Office in Mexico City, managing budget of USD15k and cross-functional team to investigate regulations and oversee incorporation procedures.
• Developed and executing new strategic plan for Dubai Chambers in Latin America, based on independent market research, new strategy tools, as well as developing projects with key partners in the region.

Strengthened the development of British and Panamanian member companies (ie- customers) to expand local business prospects through event organization and B2B engagement.

• Assisted boutique investment bank in securing investment deal with local hotel developer in financing worth US$10 million+ through specific market intelligence and business opportunity identification.
• Overhauled organization from loss-making entity to annual surplus-making one by instituting new strategic initiatives, implementing key projects, and advising the Board of Directors on new direction for Chamber.
• Prepared insights for British companies on market developments in Panama and advised on risks and benefits on their operations, or opportunities available within market.

Worked with a team in assisting British companies in the Panamanian market through business diplomacy, research, and trade missions, ultimately reporting to the British Ambassador in Panama.

• Coordinated organization of large trade mission of British renewable energy companies to Panama and organized a conference for them with 300 public and private sector attendees.
• Worked together with the Trade & Investment Director to engage with Panamanian government stakeholders in business diplomacy.