Country & Regional Focus
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Executive Interview: Leveraging Growth Opportunities in Middle East and North Africa

An interview with Jeremy Shaw, Head of Corporate Sales, Middle East & Africa, J.P. Morgan Treasury Services

Why is MENA such an important market for J.P. Morgan?

J.P. Morgan has a long-standing history of serving our clients in the MENA region dating back to the 1950s. Our philosophy in serving our clients is quite simple: be where our clients need us to be. MENA is a hugely diverse region, both geographically and economically. Some countries within the region are large economies in their own right, such as Saudi Arabia, with a population of over 29 million, and Egypt with over 80 million. Many of our clients from North America, Europe or Asia have a presence in MENA, such as companies engaged in the oil and gas sector, infrastructure development, and providing the housing and social care required for the huge influx of immigrant labour. For example, in the United Arab Emirates, expatriates represent over 85% of the workforce.

To leverage the opportunities in such a dynamic region, companies need their banks to provide a broad base of expertise and flexible, high quality solutions. Increasingly therefore, our clients who are already active there, or are expanding their business in the region, are looking to J.P. Morgan for support.

How are you helping clients active in MENA?

Our focus is on serving the regional needs of our international customer base. These can either be heritage European, American or Asian companies operating in the region, or a local institution doing regional and international business. To meet that goal, we are continuing our commitment of increasing our capability and presence to help serve their transaction banking needs. In Saudi Arabia for example, we are building on our long-standing involvement in the region and our relationship with the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency.