Last week, policy officers from Tunisia, Jordan, Egypt and Morocco met in Rabat for the second part of the 2015 edition of the Matra South training programme on Trade Promotion and Economic Diplomacy. While the week at Clingendael focused mainly on the theoretical aspects of economic diplomacy and the Dutch model, the second week in Rabat was more skills orientated, focusing on change management, working in teams and negotiation skills.

Tower exercise

The week kicked off with a training that further elaborated on project and change management. Furthermore, the participants learned more about their specific role in teams. Several personality tests were used to give the participants more detailed insights in their working habits and leadership style. Their ability to work in teams under time pressure was tested in practice during the 'tower exercise’ (see picture above). Their team roles became evident, when they were given the assignment to build the highest possible tower. The Belbin test results were in line with what happened during the assignment.

Other skills sessions included workshops on strategic communication, focusing on framing and storytelling, and simulations aimed at enhancing the participants’ negotiation and intercultural communication skills.

Networking

In addition, there were several opportunities for networking. This included a working visit to the Investment Agency Morocco ( AMDI) in their brand new building in the administrative neighborhood of Rabat. During the visit, the participants met with CEO Hamid Ben Elafdil and they learned about the many opportunities for investing in Morocco, and some of the challenges the country is facing. The visit was made possible by the Moroccan alumni from last year and it was wonderful to see the current and past participants meet.

After the working visit to AMDI, the group attended a reception at the Dutch ambassador’s residence, also known as “The Holland House”. New contacts were made and trade opportunities and promotion were discussed in fields such as agriculture and organic food industry, while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Dutch residence.

 

Putting in practice

On the final day the participants had to connect all lessons learned in both The Hague and Rabat during their Back Home Action plan presentations: working together constructively, communicating effectively, presenting and successfully branding their respective countries. This exercise and both weeks in the Netherlands and Morocco were highly valued by the  participants from all four countries. 

- 20 October 2015