Under the theme, "One World. Two Cultures. Endless Possibilities", the U.S.-Arab Economic Forum taking place in Detroit, Michigan on September 28-30, 2003, will bring U.S. and Arab World leaders together for three days of discussion so that we may begin to transform the current state of misperceptions, conflict and difficulties into a World of appreciation, community and cooperative action.

This landmark event will facilitate a dialogue in which business, social, technology innovation and policy leaders from the U.S. and the Arab World can architect an action plan to enable a future rich with economic collaboration, cultural dialogue, and innovation.

Mission

To act as a catalyst for action and change by bringing U.S. and Arab World leaders together in order to facilitate economic collaboration, cultural dialogue and innovation.

Strategies

• To promote and effect stronger economic and commercial ties between the U.S. and the Arab World

• To explore new innovation and technological opportunities between the U.S. and the Arab World

• To focus on areas of commonality and cultural understanding between the U.S. and the Arab World

• To allow participants to share success stories and best practices on key trends & developments

• To foster U.S.-Arab civilization through empowerment of women, youth development, education reform and media liberalization

• To forge public-private partnerships for success in the new global economy

• To honor the contributions of Arab Americans to the U.S. economy and society

Source: US-Arab Economic Forum Web Site

"...I would like to discuss with you today some of the issues facing our two nations. In spite of our governments trying to assume credit for the harmonious relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States, it was actually established by entrepreneurs, businessmen and investors..."

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U.S.-Arab Economic Forum gathers in Detroit
[AP, Sep. 29, 2003]

"U.S. and Arab leaders pledged to work together to build cultural and economic bridges over the course of the U.S.-Arab Economic Forum. Gov. Jennifer Granholm emphasized that underneath it all, the people of Michigan and of the Arab world aren't that different. "This conference, at the heart of it, is about understanding," Granholm told attendees Sunday at a gala dinner to kick off the summit in Detroit. "Our challenge is to build the strength of our individual voices into an outstanding chorus of diversity."
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Key players in the U.S.-Arab Economic Forum
[ http://www.freep.com - Sep. 29, 2003 ]

The U.S.-Arab Economic Forum continues [Sep. 29 and 30] in Detroit. It is not open to the public. Attendees include:
Colin Powell, U.S. Secretary of State. He is leading the Bush administration's campaign for other countries to contribute troops to the Iraq war effort.
Prince Saud al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister. In recent months, Prince Saud has worked to dispel accusations that his country finances terrorism and Islamic extremism. Expect any money his country donates to be closely watched for terror links.
Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, commander-in-chief of the Bahrain Defense Force. The prince has been working with the United States to develop a free-trade zone between Bahrain and the United States that could serve as a business model for the rest of the Arab world.
Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Al-Thani, foreign minister and first deputy prime minister of Qatar. Qatar served as the headquarters for the U.S. armed forces during the Iraq war. Al-Thani has pushed for close ties with the United States to help protect his small country.
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Also: 
Confirmed Speakers List

U.S.-ARAB ECONOMIC FORUM: Middle East must end its cycle of terrorism, despair, Powell says 
[ http://www.freep.com - Sep. 30, 2003 ]

"... He asks for help in bringing hope to the region..."
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Also:
Transcript of Remarks - US State Dept.
Powell Tells Arab-Americans of Hopes to Develop Mideast