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MAY HIGHLIGHTS

The 55th annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) once again brought together leading energy experts from around the world. Serving as a global hub for innovation and collaboration, OTC continues to foster critical discussions on the future of offshore energy. As always, May was filled with dynamic events and engagements surrounding the conference. In this edition, we’re pleased to share some of the highlights.

NEW EDUCATION INITIATIVE

The Bilateral Chamber recently launched its EDGE Initiative – Education and Development in Growing Economies – to complement its global education programming. It bridges international workforce demands with U.S. education expertise by connecting governments, corporations, and communities abroad to the U.S.-based education technology, academic and vocational providers. EDGE programming focuses on agility: delivering online, in-person, and hybrid education for technical skills, career pathways, and capacity building in growing regions.  

In building the EDGE ecosystem, Bilateral signed an MoU with the Houston Community College to further support the delivery of career and technical training, digital learning, and continuing student engagement.

“EDGE is shaping up to become a cornerstone of how the Bilateral Chamber drives sustainable, high-impact partnerships in global education, skills development, and local workforce empowerment.”

Aida Araissi, CEO, Bilateral Chamber

28TH ANNUAL BOARD OF ADVISORS PRIVATE DINNER

Monday, May 5, 2025
Houston, TX

On May 5th, the Bilateral Chamber held our annual board of advisors dinner, welcoming our board of advisors, chamber members, and special guests. The evening kicked off with an MOU signing with Houston Community College (HCC), solidifying our continued partnership. 

During the event, we were pleased to feature former U.S. government officials, Mr. Ryan Majerus, former Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance at the US Department of Commerce,  Mr. Phil Ludvigson, Former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Investment Security and Director for CFIUS Monitoring & Enforcement, and The Honorable Robert Hur, Partner, Former Special Counsel, and Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General. The panelists participated in an enlightening fireside chat on the recent tariffs and their long-term impacts, moderated by our Chairman David L. Phillips. 

For more information on becoming a member of the Bilateral Chamber please reach out to Ms. Sukejna Kovacevic at Sukejna@bilateralchamber.org. 

TARIFFS: GLOBAL OUTLOOK & IMPLICATIONS

Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Houston, TX

King & Spalding partners, Mr. Ryan Majerus,  Mr. Phil Ludvigson, and The Honorable Robert Hur joined us for a roundtable discussion on the new tariffs implemented by the Trump administration.

The panelists explored the evolving nature of tariffs and how companies can navigate this uncertain landscape. They discussed how the first Trump administration approached trade policy and how current efforts may rely on the Trade Act of 1974 and the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The role of CFIUS and FCPA in tariff considerations was highlighted, along with potential shifts in Department of Justice priorities that could affect global supply chains. A lively Q&A session followed, offering deeper insight into these complex trade issues.

UPDATE: U.S. China jointly De-escalate Tariffs beginning Wednesday, May 14th. Further details can be found here as this situation updates.

BOARDROOM SESSION: NAMIBIA

Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Houston, TX

At our recent boardroom session, we explored Namibia’s strategic position and vast natural resource potential. The panel, featuring Ms. Angelique Peake (RMB Namibia), Ms. Nillian Mulemi (Petrofund), Mr. Francois van Schalkwyk (NIPDB), and Mr. Iitembu Shituula(Standard Bank Namibia), highlighted the country’s emerging oil and gas sector as a key driver of growth. Their insights underscored how this success could unlock broader opportunities across other sectors.

UNLOCKING AFRICA: A NEW ERA OF ENERGY & OPPORTUNITY

Thursday, May 8, 2025
Houston, TX

We were proud to support the Central Africa Business Energy Forum (CABEF) and their Beyond Borders program — Unlocking Africa: A New Era of Energy & Opportunity. This full-day program featured several key topics, including an overview of the current hydrocarbon landscape, financing hydrocarbon projects, optimizing production, and clean energy.

The first panel of the day included distinguished guest speakers:
H.E. Ndolenodji Alixe Naimbaye – Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mines and Geology, Chad
H.E. Gaston Eloundou Essomba – Minister of Energy and Water, Cameroon
H.E. Arthur Piri – Minister of Sustainable Energy Development and Water Resources, RCA
H.E. Aime Sakambi Molendo – Minister of Hydrocarbons, DRC
H.E. Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, PhD – Minister of State for Petroleum, Nigeria
Mr. Juan Cruz – President, SBM Offshore

WOMENERGY AFRICA FORUM AND AWARDS

Friday, May 9, 2025
Houston, TX

Our Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Aida Araissi, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement and Commercial Diplomacy Award at the WomENERGY Africa Forum and Awards on Friday, May 9th. Ms. Araissi was honored for her continued work boosting international trade and investment with the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbeans, as well as boosting economic development in the Greater Houston region and the United States as a whole.

US ALGERIA ENERGY FORUM

Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Houston, TX

A key highlight of the recently held US-Algeria Energy Forum was the MOU signing between Oxy and Sonatrach. The two MOUs signed signify a future of cooperation in hydrocarbon exploration and production. The signing took place during the larger conference, which featured several speakers, including Mr. Rachid Hachichi, Chairman & CEO, Sonatrach.  The key takeaway from the conference was that Algeria is eager to advance hydrocarbon development and plans to launch its next bid round in October 2025.

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

In this newsletter, we bring you the latest analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, with insights from our strategic partner, Mr. Faouzi Aloulou and his colleagues. Their recent report highlights a significant rise in the number of wells completed per location in the Lower 48 states—more than doubling from 1.5 in 2014 to over 3.0 by mid-2024. This shift reflects major technological advancements in hydraulic fracturing, including the adoption of electric frac fleets, improved equipment, and more efficient operational strategies. Simultaneous completions are enabling operators to accelerate production timelines, cut costs, and optimize resource use, marking a transformative trend in U.S. shale operations. Please click HERE to read the full article.