On July 24, 2026, Charles Hallab, President and CEO of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council, participated in an International Business Development Panel at the Go Global Roadshow in Charlotte, North Carolina, organized by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC).
The panel, hosted by the EDPNC’s Michael Ryan, brought together representatives from Terrestrial Energy, MSI Defense, and Colliers Engineering & Design for a discussion on what it takes for U.S. companies to successfully expand into international markets.
The panel discussion explored strategies for successful international expansion, including market entry, identifying the right partners and decision-makers, managing business development timelines, and building the relationships needed to translate opportunities into long-term commercial success.
Drawing on the Council’s experience supporting U.S. companies in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Hallab highlighted the importance of entering the market with the right relationships, a clear understanding of emerging sectors, and realistic expectations for the time required to develop business. He also discussed how Vision 2030 is creating new commercial opportunities across a wide range of industries and how U.S. companies can position themselves to participate.
Saudi Arabia is North Carolina’s largest trading partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Mr. Hallab’s participation in the panel is the latest example of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council’s collaboration with the EDPNC. Through executive delegations, investment promotion initiatives, industry conferences, and collaboration with North Carolina’s business, academic, and government communities, the Council has highlighted the state’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, life sciences, technology, and higher education while connecting North Carolina companies and institutions with commercial opportunities in the Kingdom.
