Kuwait's first IHOP restaurant located at The Mall - The Avenues

19 Feb 2013

M.H. Alshaya was this week honoured to be presented with the U.S. Commerce Department's 'Achievement in Trade' award by the US Ambassador to Kuwait, Matthew H. Tueller. The award recognises exceptional organisations that have contributed to the growth of U.S. exports in their home country and which have created business opportunities with U.S. firms.

Kuwait's first IHOP restaurant located at The Mall - The Avenues

US Ambassador to Kuwait, Matthew Tueller (left), presenting the US Commerce Department's Achievement in Trade award to Mohammed Alshaya (centre)

"This award highlights how U.S.-Kuwaiti commercial cooperation is contributing to long-term partnerships that promote economic growth in both our countries and throughout the Middle East," Ambassador Tueller said. "Working together, we have unlimited potential to expand our trade relationship, and we look forward to working with our Kuwaiti partners in developing additional, new trade opportunities," added Ambassador Tueller.

"I would like to congratulate M.H. Alshaya on its outstanding accomplishments, and its efforts in helping build important trade ties between our countries," said U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President David Chavern.

"We are delighted to be recognised for this award which reflects the strong demand for American retail brands in the region," commented Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. Alshaya. "We look forward to strengthening and developing our relationships with further outstanding US companies in the years to come."

Established in 1890 and headquartered in Kuwait, Alshaya is one of the world's leading international franchise operators, partnering with over 70 of the world's most recognised retail brands, including US brands such as American Eagle Outfitters, Payless Shoesource, Starbucks, The Cheesecake Factory, Victoria's Secret, Williams Sonoma and Office Depot. Alshaya's stores can currently be found in 19 markets across the Middle East & North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe and it employs more than 32,000 people from over 110 nationalities