On 20 April 2022 it was a busy and interesting evening at the Koninklijke Industrieele Groote Club in Amsterdam! A colourful mix of prominent people from politics, business, government, trade unions and civil society organisations took part in the iftar organised by Hogiaf.
The evening was led by Ibrahim Ozgul, the new general secretary-director of HOGIAF. Before the dinner, Hogiaf chairman Ahmet Taskan spoke about the challenges facing business, SMEs in particular, these days. He specifically urged the members of the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) present to make a strong case for widening financing options now that banks seem to be withdrawing more and more.
The keynote speaker of the evening was Dr Bernard Bot, a top diplomat, well known as a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to Turkey and East Berlin, and international administrator. Like no one else, he captivated the room with his sharp analysis of developments in the world, spiced with striking anecdotes about international negotiations and personal encounters with world leaders.
During the dinner, discussions continued at every table about the challenges, solutions, opportunities and how to capitalise on them. This produced a fascinating collection of ideas that not only Hogiaf and the Hogiaf members present, but also all other participants can, must and will get to work with.
Of course, after the dinner there was also ample opportunity for meeting and networking. It was wonderful to see each other "live" again after the long period of involuntary isolation, and to make new contacts as well. People are therefore looking forward to the various activities on Hogiaf's schedule.
Our thanks go to the speakers, the members of the Advisory Board and the Committee of Recommendation, the Koninklijke Groote Industrieele Club and, last but not least, the sponsor of the event, Mr Mustafa Solak of Beka Constructie!
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The largest cross-cultural and multisectoral business association in the Netherlands.
