The Australian Arab Business Council hosted the Arab Bank Australia Update featuring special guest Dr Joseph Rizk AM at Summerland Restaurant in Bankstown on Wednesday night. The event kicked off with an introduction and remarks from Reem Borrows, Human Performance Specialist at Dreem Coaching and Consulting and Executive Board Member of the AABC.

Burrows highlighted the importance of the AABC in connecting people from various businesses and described it as “a place where we come to connect.” President of the AABC, George Bousamra, also gave his remarks at the monthly event, which aims to connect the AABC community and bring business leaders from various industries.

Dr Rizk discussed a variety of topics, including the economic situation of Australia, and emphasised that while the country has survived and flourished on immigration, we don’t have a vision to carry us in the long term. He pointed out that Australia hasn’t invested in its productivity, but also gave his perspective. “Productivity isn’t just about generating wealth,” Dr Rizk emphasised. Additionally, he highlighted the reasons for inflation and said that if the Reserve Bank dropped interest rates quickly, the prices of houses would go up.

Burrows also reflected on the address from Dr Rizk and soaked in the many insights to take to her business. “The main thing I got out of tonight is that we are in a positive situation despite the fact that it feels hard when change is inevitable and as a business owner I’ve really got to have a look at what it puts at my control and take advantage of the great resources that we do have in Australia and work around again what we do have rather than looking at what’s not working,” Borrows pointed out.

Apart from the detailed insights from Dr Rizk, attendees indulged in Lebanese cuisine and coffee with an opportunity to watch game three of State of Origin. Furthermore, they had an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and network with multiple business leaders.