Emirates Business 24/7 reports that the Advertisers Business Group (ABG) will focus on a new intitiative to develop an advertising code of ethics, and raise industry representation to government level. ABG presented its five-year strategy at a general assembly meeting.

Running an overlook of its current state of affairs, ABG agreed on the strategic priorities for the advertisers in the region, which include making ABG the association that takes the lead in setting international best practice standards in media, advertising and marketing.

Louis Hakim, ABG Chairman, presented the latest initiatives planned for ABG at a reception following the meeting, identifying effective ways of working.

The ABG was formed in 2005, initially, the GCC Association of Advertisers (GCCAA), as a pressure group to bring international standards and best practices to the local market and aims to foster a fair and accountable marketplace in the Middle East.

The group has offered a platform to agree on common issues and voice concerns that significantly impacted the effectiveness of the members' ad spend. Its members represent approximately 75 per cent of the estimated $300 million (Dh1.1 billion) regional television advertising market.