First Arab Asian Forum to be held in Singapore

With over 150 Arab and Asian leaders, representing more than 20 countries, from a cross-section of business, media, government and the NGO community are expected to attend the forum. The two-day (27-28 April) forum seeks to create a dialogue to develop relations between Asia and the Arab world.

Saeed Al Muntafiq, Chairman of Young Arab Leaders board of Directors, said: "The Arab Asian Forum is the first of its kind aimed at opening up new communication channels between the two regions.

"Some believe that the two regions have little in common. We, however, disagree. We have found enough common ground to work together on projects in business, education, healthcare and media. Projects that not only address our common challenges, but also help bridge the cultural and social gap between Asia and the Arab World."

"During the last 20 years, both regions have witnessed unprecedented growth. Within the last five years, trade between our regions has tripled. As a result, nearly half of all exports from the Arab world today are delivered across Asia, and one fifth of Asian exports are shipped across the Arab world.

"Over the next 30 years, Asia will host three of the four largest economies in the world. On the other hand, the Arab world will own one of the largest private liquidity pools and will be eagerly looking for cross border investments," Al Muntafiq said.

The forum, to be held in coordination with the European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD), Lee Kuan Yew Political College, Al Khaleej Research Centre and Dubai School of Government, will focus on three key themes: economy, thought leadership and media.

Al Muntafiq, said: "Forum participants will, through a series of structured workshops, gain insight into new and existing initiatives, evolve mechanisms, brainstorm new partnerships and determine mutually beneficial projects. They will identify strategies and concrete actions to promote dialogue exchange."

The Arab Asian Dialogue Forum is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, Tatweer, DIFC Investments LLC, Citigroup, Gulf Finance House, Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX), Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Keppel Group and American University of Dubai (AUD).

As part of its strategy for 2007, the Young Arab Leaders (YAL) launched the "International Education Initiative", seeking to link over 1,000 talented youth through education programmes worldwide.

YAL has also signed strategic partnerships with international organisations to execute internships programmes for developing industry specific skills in the emerging generation of Arab human capital. Over 120 talented youth will be selected to intern with regional and international companies, of which 40 will be part of an intensive programme for talent development in Germany this summer. Additionally, 15 young entrepreneurs will be provided with entrepreneurial support to realise their projects.