Top Bahrain delegation set for World Economic Forum

21/05/2015 09:57 AST

A high-profile Bahraini delegation, including senior public and private sector representatives, is participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East and North Africa (Mena).

The event starts today at the Dead Sea in Jordan.

The three-day forum has drawn participation from more than 800 government, business and civil society leaders from 50 countries.

The Bahrain delegation includes Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Industry and Commerce Minister Zayed Al Zayani, Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) Governor Rasheed Al Maraj, Economic Development Board (EDB) chief executive Khalid Al Rumaihi and Osool Asset Management Company chief executive Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

This year the theme of the annual conference is: 'Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Co-operation'.

The forum's programme and discussion will focus on the new developments and institution-building efforts being undertaken across the Mena region. It will also discuss the impact of these on cross-regional trade and investment, set against the backdrop of the ongoing regional economic, security and humanitarian challenges.

'WEF provides the perfect environment for forming long-term relationships developed through shared interests,' Mr Al Rumaihi said.

'Given the region's ongoing challenges, there could not be a more vital time to enhance regional co-operation through the creation of such partnerships, where possible.

'Boosting connectivity '“ whether through infrastructure, regulations or trade agreements '“ can play an important role in boosting growth across the region and we look forward to discussing opportunities at the conference this week,' he added.

Bahrain's participation at the forum includes the CBB governor speaking on a panel discussion titled, 'Advancing Financial Inclusion', alongside prominent financial experts including: Jordan's Finance Minister Dr Umayya Toukan, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Group chief executive Tirad Mahmoud and International Finance Corporation global client services vice-president Dimitris Tsitsiragos.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Thomson Reuters' Middle East chief financial correspondent Andrew Torchia.

It will address key financial mechanisms that can be leveraged to support inclusive growth in the region, such as leveraging the potential of Islamic finance, expanding banking to the unbanked and strengthening the investment climate.

During the event, the Bahraini delegation will meet key global and regional business leaders to discuss shared economic, societal and geopolitical imperatives to boost growth, promote financial stability and enhance regional security.

Gulf Daily News