Etisal organizes the First Gulf Investment Forum

The two-day forum, titled "Joint Investments in the Gulf Region, Opportunities and Potential" will bring together key decision makers and investors from GCC and Arab countries to exchange expertise and develop networking.

Abdul Rahim Al Naqi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperative Council Federation, said the conference is a significant opportunity for economists and investors to discuss the outcomes of the GCC common market since its launch earlier. The forum will also offer a platform for decision makers and investors to exchange opinions and suggestions on the Customs Union and the economic climate in the GCC countries, in addition to other related topics.

The conference, which will take place at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, will highlight GCC investments and obstacles facing them and try to discover solutions that help attract more investments and increase commercial exchanges between countries in the region, Al Naqi said.

The forum will be held under the umbrella of the Federation of the GCC Chambers with support from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The event will discuss topics such as investment opportunities in the Gulf region, comparative study on legislation and regulations on investments in the GCC countries, the role of the capital market in investment and the role of joint investments in boosting economic integration.

Several other topics will also be discussed, such as the evaluation of achievements made by the GCC countries in the field of economic privatization and the means and methods to encourage private companies to invest in oil and infrastructure projects.

Ways to improve the status of foreign investments in the Gulf, real estate development and the role of banks and financial institutions in increasing investments are also among other topics to be discussed.

Dr. Salim Al Hoss, former Lebanese prime minister, participates in the forum with a work paper titled "Gulf Integration, a Gateway to Arab Integration" in which he points out that the GCC countries have made a leap towards economic integration after implementing the landmark resolution on setting up the GCC common market which was issued during the Gulf Summit in Doha on December 4, 2007.

The resolution stressed the importance of cooperation between the member states and the necessity of protecting their unity. The common market provides equal treatment for all GCC citizens in any Gulf state, Al Hoss said. Dr. Al Hoss pointed out that to tabulate the economic performance within the GCC countries, ministers of finance and directors of financial institutions and central banks were assigned to set a programme that indicated the financial needs of the federation and submit its results to the GCC Supreme Council in its upcoming session in Muscat next year.

The former Lebanese Premier said that the economic and financial success of the Gulf federation would lead to political improvement that turned the union into a federal or even a merged entity. This may hopefully be the nucleus of a comprehensive Arab federation to help the nation become an effective player in the international arena.

Nada Jaber, Director General of Etisal Event Management Company, said preparations for hosting this unique regional forum are in the final stages as confirmations have been received from participating speakers. She noted that attendees would be provided with comprehensive information and answers to their questions as the forum covers various issues and topics.

Arab and international experts in the fields of economy, oil and power will be present at the forum to enrich its discussions and outcomes.