Scott Jolliffe, a partner at Gowling WLG, has been named president of the Canada Arab Business Council (CABC), a pan-Canadian association that aims to bring the Canadian and Arab business communities together.
The CABC advises governments in Canada and in Arab countries on policies to facilitate and expand two-way trade and investment. It further supports members by organizing missions to the Arab region, receiving incoming delegations, and hosting conferences and events.
Jolliffe was named to the new post effective Jan. 4, 2018 after joining the CABC as vice-chair and secretary last June. A lawyer with more than 40 years of experience, he served as the national managing partner, chair and CEO of Gowling WLG for 20 years. During his leadership tenure, he played a key role in positioning the firm to become one of the most respected law firms in Canada and a top-100 global law firm.
He continues to serve as senior counsel on intellectual property cases and as an adviser to businesses in the transportation, aerospace, manufacturing and pharmaceutical areas. Jolliffe also regularly serves as a mediator in intellectual property and technology disputes.
"I was pleased to be asked to take on this exciting responsibility," he said. "Trade between Canada and other countries, including those in the Middle East, is growing. Many of the Arab countries are interested in diversifying their economies by expanding into growth sectors. Canada is an area in which they are looking to explore further, not just in their traditional trade areas of oil and gas, but also infrastructure, technology, advanced manufacturing, health and education."
Gowling WLG manages an Arab States country desk to help coordinate legal services for Canadian and international clients who are pursuing business opportunities in Arab nations. The firm also maintains an on-the-ground presence in the United Arab Emirates through its Dubai office, which has been in operation for more than a decade.