Latest news with #Mansour
Int'l Business Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Choucri Mansour Builds a Legal Practice That Helps Immigrant-Owned Businesses Gain Ground in the U.S.
America's economic competitiveness increasingly depends on its ability to attract and retain global talent. One attorney in San Diego has quietly built something remarkable: a legal practice that doesn't just serve immigrant entrepreneurs—it empowers them to become engines of American economic growth. Choucri Mansour, founder of Mansour Legal Services, MLS Global APC , represents a new breed of legal practitioner who understands that in our hyperconnected world, the old way of doing business—where clients bounce between multiple law firms, tax advisors, and compliance specialists—is not just inefficient, it's economically destructive. His approach has produced tangible results: over $3 million in foreign direct investment facilitated within just one year, and more than 10 full-time jobs created across eight states. Here's what makes Mansour's story particularly compelling in today's economic context: he's operating at the intersection of two powerful trends that are reshaping American business. Immigrants now account for approximately 24 percent of entrepreneurs in the United States, up from 19 percent in 2007. Immigrant-owned businesses are 60 percent more likely to export than native-owned firms, making them crucial players in America's global competitiveness. The Economics of Immigrant Entrepreneurship The numbers tell a story that should make every policymaker pay attention. While immigrants comprise only 14-15 percent of the U.S. population, they punch well above their weight economically. Recent data shows that immigrants contributed $2.1 trillion to total U.S. economic output in 2023, representing 18 percent of the nation's total wage, salary, and business proprietor income. This outsized economic contribution isn't accidental. Immigrants are significantly more entrepreneurial than the native-born population, with some studies showing they have an 80 percent higher rate of firm founding than their U.S.-born peers. In 2023 alone, immigrants started nearly one in five new businesses, despite representing a much smaller share of the population. The ripple effects are profound. Fortune 500 companies founded by immigrants or their children now employ 15.5 million people worldwide—more than the entire population of Pennsylvania. These companies generated $8.6 trillion in revenue in fiscal year 2023, making them collectively the third-largest economy in the world if they were a standalone country. Yet for all these impressive statistics, immigrant entrepreneurs face a maze of bureaucratic and legal challenges that can derail even the most promising ventures. This is where practitioners like Mansour become economically significant, as service providers and as facilitators of wealth creation. Breaking Down the Barriers Mansour's approach addresses what economists call "transaction costs"—the hidden expenses and delays that make it harder for markets to function efficiently. Traditional legal services for immigrant entrepreneurs operate in silos: immigration lawyers handle visa issues, corporate attorneys manage business formation, tax specialists deal with compliance, and consultants advise on strategy. Each handoff creates opportunities for miscommunication, delay, and error. "The fragmentation of services creates artificial barriers that discourage investment and slow economic growth," Mansour explains. His solution consolidates these functions into what he calls a "culturally informed legal services model" that handles everything from entity formation to regulatory compliance in a single engagement. The efficiency gains are measurable. Since launching MLS Global APC in May 2024, Mansour has successfully established businesses for more than 20 international clients across diverse industries, including professional services, technology, retail, and logistics. These businesses span eight states—California, Florida, Washington, New York, Nevada, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming—demonstrating how immigrant entrepreneurship can distribute economic benefits beyond traditional business hubs. The Multiplier Effect What's particularly noteworthy about Mansour's client outcomes is their job creation velocity. Six of the 10 full-time positions created by his clients were established in 2025 alone, suggesting an accelerating pace of economic contribution. This aligns with broader research showing that 91 percent of new immigrant-owned businesses have at least one employee, compared to 84 percent of all new businesses. The geographic distribution matters too. While immigrant entrepreneurs often cluster in major metropolitan areas, Mansour's clients have established operations in states like Kansas and Wyoming—regions that might otherwise see less international business activity. This geographic diversity helps distribute the economic benefits of foreign investment more broadly across the American economy. Beyond direct employment, these businesses contribute through what economists call "backward linkages"—purchasing goods and services from American suppliers, contributing to state and federal tax revenues, and participating in local economic ecosystems. Each new business becomes a node in a network of economic relationships that extends far beyond its immediate operations. Global Competition for Talent Mansour's work takes on additional significance when viewed through the lens of global competition for entrepreneurial talent. Countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom have aggressively reformed their immigration systems to attract business founders and investors. Canada's Start-up Visa Program, for instance, provides a direct pathway to permanent residence for entrepreneurs with viable business plans. The United States, despite its economic advantages, often makes it unnecessarily difficult for immigrant entrepreneurs to handle the legal and regulatory requirements. This is where culturally competent legal services become a competitive advantage for the country, beyond individual clients. Mansour's multilingual capabilities—he operates in Arabic, French, and English—and his international experience across Lebanon, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, Georgia, and the UAE, position him to serve clients who might otherwise choose to establish their businesses elsewhere. His approach essentially reduces the "friction" that can send investment to competing jurisdictions. The Benefits of Diverse Perspectives Perhaps most importantly, immigrant entrepreneurs bring what economists call a "diversity premium" to the American economy. Research consistently shows that immigrant-led firms generate more patents per worker than their native-founded counterparts. Among venture-backed startups and AI-related companies, immigrants make up over 40 percent of founders. This diversity premium isn't just about individual brilliance—it's about perspective. Immigrant entrepreneurs often see market opportunities that others miss, precisely because they bring different cultural and economic experiences to bear on American market conditions. They're also more likely to build businesses that connect the U.S. economy to global markets. Mansour's practice facilitates this diversity premium by removing barriers that might otherwise prevent promising entrepreneurs from establishing themselves in the United States. When he helps a client handle the complexities of business formation and compliance, he provides legal services and enables the kind of cross-cultural business development that has historically driven American economic growth. The Path Forward As the United States grapples with an aging population, labor shortages in key industries, and intensifying global competition for talent, the economic contribution of immigrant entrepreneurs becomes increasingly critical. 46 percent of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. These companies didn't emerge by accident—they're the product of an economic ecosystem that, at its best, welcomes and empowers global talent. Practitioners like Mansour represent a crucial piece of this ecosystem. By making it easier for immigrant entrepreneurs to establish and grow businesses in the United States, they're building successful law practices and building the infrastructure for continued American economic leadership in an increasingly competitive global economy. The $3 million in investment and 10 jobs that Mansour's practice has facilitated may seem modest in the context of the broader economy. Multiply that impact across thousands of similar practitioners, and you begin to see how the seemingly mundane work of business formation and compliance becomes a cornerstone of national economic strategy. In our interconnected world, the countries that make it easiest for global talent to create value will be the countries that prosper. Mansour's approach offers a template for how America can maintain its competitive edge, through protectionism or isolation, but by becoming more efficient at turning immigrant ambition into American prosperity.
See - Sada Elbalad
24-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Palestinian Official: White House Could End Gaza War in 24 Hours
Ahmed Emam Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour stated that the White House holds the power to enforce an immediate ceasefire in Gaza within 24 hours, if it chooses to act. In an interview, Mansour expressed deep skepticism toward Israel's promises, saying, 'Israel promises and lies, but does not deliver.' He emphasized that trust can only be built when Israel halts its airstrikes and allows hundreds of aid trucks into Gaza under the supervision of UNRWA to provide desperately needed relief across the Strip. Mansour also revealed that Palestinian officials are working toward holding a ceasefire conference in Cairo, which would be followed by a framework for the reconstruction of Gaza. He called for greater international pressure and concrete measures against Israel to stop what he described as "barbaric attacks" on the Palestinian people. Meanwhile, in a related development, Israeli media reported that Tel Aviv has received Hamas's response to the latest ceasefire proposal and is currently reviewing it, according to Alqahera News. The content of the response and Israel's official position remain undisclosed. The developments come amid continued international efforts to end the months-long conflict, which has resulted in significant humanitarian and civilian losses in Gaza. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
UAE Vice-President seen playing Volleyball with residents at Abu Dhabi summer sports event
Abu Dhabi Summer Sports is a large-scale, climate-controlled event promoting fitness for all ages through over 12 sports and family activities/ Image Abu Dhabi Media Office TL;DR: UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour joined a volleyball match, reflecting hands-on leadership in promoting community sports. Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS) is a seasonal indoor event designed to keep people active and engaged during the summer months. The venue spans 37,000 sqm and includes 52+ air-conditioned courts, supporting over 12 different sports. In the UAE, where extreme summer heat often limits outdoor activity, the response has been practical and purpose-driven. Initiatives like Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS) are turning indoor spaces into large-scale, accessible venues for sport and wellbeing. It's part of a wider national effort, led by figures known for their visible, hands-on approach, to keep the country active, engaged, and connected year-round. That approach was clearly on display during a recent visit to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), where the event is being held. His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, attended in an active capacity, engaging with organisers, reviewing the venue's facilities, and joining participants in a casual volleyball match. Inside the Setup: A Full-Scale Sports Environment Built for All The Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS) event is a large-scale indoor initiative aimed at encouraging people of all ages to stay active, fit, and healthy throughout the UAE's hottest months. Organised by the ADNEC Group in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event brings together a wide range of sports and activities under one roof in a safe, climate-controlled environment. ADSS is built with both scale and purpose. Hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the venue spans more than 37,000 square metres, making it one of the largest indoor sports activations in the region. Its infrastructure includes: t one of the largest indoor sports activations in the region. Its infrastructure includes: 52 enclosed and air-conditioned courts and pitches, Facilities for over 12 team and individual sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and others, A 1.2-kilometre indoor running track for cardio training without braving the outdoor heat. What makes the event stand out isn't just the size but how it's designed to serve everyone, not just trained athletes or sports clubs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo Families, children, casual fitness lovers, and amateurs all have dedicated zones. From kid-friendly setups to structured games parents can join, the environment is curated to encourage shared experiences and long-term engagement in physical wellness. Sheikh Mansour was briefed by organisers on all aspects of the event: the design logic, activity zones, safety measures, and objectives behind the initiative. That includes the strategic aim of sustaining community-wide physical activity during a season where most people typically avoid it. No Formalities, Sheikh Mansour Played the Game What set this visit apart was not the speeches or the staging, it was the simplicity of it. After his tour, Sheikh Mansour joined a friendly volleyball match, playing alongside everyday participants. No grand announcement, no tightly choreographed ceremony, just a real game, in real time, among the people. This direct involvement aligned with the broader goals of the Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS) initiative: encouraging people across age groups and skill levels to take part in regular physical activity, even during the peak of summer. Following the visit, Sheikh Mansour commended the overall organisation, noting the event's accessibility, safety standards, and capacity to host a wide variety of sports. He highlighted its value in promoting community health, supporting active lifestyles, and providing well-equipped, climate-controlled spaces for year-round sport. A Broader Pattern in UAE Leadership Sheikh Mansour's participation fits into a larger national narrative, one where sport and wellness are not just government-supported, but culturally encouraged. Leaders across the Emirates frequently show up at local sports events, and many of them are athletes themselves. A notable example of leadership-driven fitness culture is Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, widely known as Fazza. He is an accomplished endurance rider with numerous international titles and pursues activities like skydiving, scuba diving, and flyboarding. Through his active presence on Instagram, Sheikh Hamdan makes fitness a visible, aspirational part of leadership, inspiring younger generations to embrace an active lifestyle.
Axios
17-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Democrat faces historical long odds in treasurer's race
Democrats haven't won the Arizona Treasurer's Office in 60 years, but one candidate is making an aggressive push to break the losing streak. The big picture: Businessman Nick Mansour, the only Democrat in the race so far, launched his campaign last month and has consistently rolled out prominent endorsements. He's already received backing from U.S. Reps. Yassamin Ansari and Greg Stanton, Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, numerous former Democratic elected officials and more than 40 business figures. Flashback: While Arizona has become more politically competitive in recent years and Democrats hold the top three statewide offices, the party hasn't won the treasurer's office since 1964, when Bob Kennedy won unopposed. Milton Husky in 1962 was the last Democrat to defeat a Republican for the office. In 2014, Democrats didn't even put up a candidate for treasurer. Between the lines: Longtime political operative Chuck Coughlin attributed Democratic woes to two factors: It's a down-ballot race that often falls along party registration lines, benefiting the GOP in a center-right state, and voters tend to view Republicans as more fiscally conservative. What he's saying:"I can't say that I've analyzed every race for the past 50 or 60 years," Mansour told Axios regarding Democrats' poor track record in treasurer's races. He concedes his race will be difficult but feels he's off to a great start, with a host of endorsements and a quarter-million dollars raised in the first two weeks of his campaign. Zoom in: Mansour touts his background — the for-profit Arizona College of Nursing grew from one campus to 24 in 14 states during his tenure as CEO — and plans that set him apart, saying, "There's more we can do with this office." He plans to focus primarily on: 1. Finding ways to increase education funding without raising taxes. 2. Increasing the state's returns on its investments. 3. Fostering economic growth. The other side: The lone GOP candidate in the treasurer's race is Elijah Norton, an insurance company owner and former Arizona Republican Party treasurer.
Daily News Egypt
16-07-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt mining law overhaul to transform mineral authority into economic body
A new amendment to Egypt's mineral resources law will transform the country's mineral authority into an economic entity, a move aimed at boosting investment and increasing the mining sector's contribution to gross domestic product, officials and industry leaders said. Speaking at a panel discussion at the Egypt Mining Forum, lawmakers and a top industry executive highlighted the benefits of the new legislation. The panel was moderated by Dr. Mohamed El-Bagoury, head of legal affairs at the petroleum ministry, and attended by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawy. Parliamentarian Mohamed Ismail, a sponsor of the bill, said the new law was the result of a legislative evaluation of a 2014 amendment that failed to achieve its desired impact on the mining sector's contribution to GDP. He said that administrative distortions at the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA) were a key challenge, necessitating its transformation into an economic body capable of modernising mining operations, forming economic partnerships, and providing the geological data needed to attract investment. Ismail explained that the new law gives EMRA greater flexibility to set a national strategy for mining industries, allows it to partner with the private sector to reduce investor risk, and enables it to invest in updating geological databases through satellite imagery and modern surveys. He added that a major advantage of the law is the consolidation of authority for granting permits and approvals by including representatives from various government bodies on EMRA's new board of directors. Mohamed El-Sallab, chairman of the parliament's industry committee, said the minister's support for the law was an unprecedented positive gesture. He said the law would allow EMRA to enter into investment partnerships and local manufacturing projects to maximise the economic return from mineral resources instead of exporting them as raw materials. El-Sallab predicted the sector could raise its contribution to GDP to 5%, and possibly even 10%, within three years. Hoda Mansour, managing director of Sukari Gold Mining and a representative of AngloGold Ashanti, said the transformation of EMRA into an economic entity sends a 'real message of confidence' to investors. She noted that AngloGold Ashanti's decision to invest in Egypt for the first time last year came after careful consideration and was driven by the state's positive approach to investment. Mansour praised the minister's engagement with investors and a recent visit by the prime minister to the Sukari mine as signals of genuine political will to develop the sector. Mansour added that the new exploitation contract signed with AngloGold Ashanti is the first of its kind and is based on the latest international laws and standards, which she said opens broad prospects for attracting more investment from major mining companies.
