Aqua Luna Waterfront Dining in Drummoyne played host to a distinguished gathering on 20th February, as the Australian Business Summit Council Inc. (ABSC Inc.) held its annual Media Conference and Dinner. The evening marked the promotion of the sixth edition of Ekonomos, the Council’s business affairs magazine, bringing together key figures from politics, trade, and industry.
Among the 120 attendees were high-ranking diplomats, including H.E. Mr. Hani Nagi (Ambassador of Egypt), H.E. Dr. Siswo Pramono (Ambassador of Indonesia), and consuls general from Italy, Poland, New Zealand, and Indonesia. Senior representatives from Turkey, Slovakia, and the United States were also in attendance, alongside business leaders, legal professionals, academics, and members of the multicultural press.
ABSC Inc. president Dr. Frank Alafaci PhD, who has held the position since 2018, welcomed guests with an overview of the Council’s role in fostering business ties between Australia and the global market. Established as a not-for-profit association, the Council promotes policies that support business expansion, international trade, and informed discussion. Through Ekonomos, the organisation provides analysis and commentary from leading voices in economics, politics, and diplomacy.
The upcoming issue of Ekonomos will feature contributions from figures such as H.E. Mr. Sinchai Manivanh (Ambassador of Laos), H.E. Mr. Beka Dvali (Ambassador of Georgia), H.E. Mrs. Tanieris Dieguez La O (Ambassador of Cuba), and business leaders including Mr. Richard Yuan (Chairman, Australia China Entrepreneurs Club) and Mr. Mamun Haque (Managing Director, Greenleaf Cosmetics Pty. Ltd.).
The event’s programme included keynote addresses from H.E. Mr. Hani Nagi, who highlighted the alignment between Egypt and Australia in sectors such as mining, clean energy, and education. Dr. Joseph Rizk AM, CEO of Arab Bank Australia Ltd., shared insights into leadership strategies in challenging economic conditions. H.E. Dr. Siswo Pramono focused on the importance of sustained trade in addressing the shrinking middle-income class globally.
An interactive Q&A session moderated by Dr. Alafaci allowed attendees to engage directly with speakers on matters related to business, trade, and investment. The evening concluded with acknowledgements to sponsors, including Alliance Project Group, Trade Window, and DMG Fine Wines, which provided high-quality wine gifts for keynote speakers and diplomats. Special recognition was given to Mrs. Sylvia Alafaci, ABSC Inc. secretary and City of Canada Bay councillor, for her efforts in organising the event.
As the sixth issue of Ekonomos prepares for release, the evening reinforced ABSC Inc.’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among business and diplomatic circles. With contributions from global industry leaders, the publication continues to serve as a platform for meaningful discussions on economic policy and international trade.
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