Crans Montana Forum announces participation of Eurochambers President in Europe-GCC forum

The forum aims to strengthen the economic relationship between GCC and European countries.

The forum is to be organised under patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khaifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain, with the association of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry, United Nation of Industrial Development, Crans Montana Forum, Bahrain Economic Development Board, and GEOC.

Mr. Osama Al Khajah, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Crans Montana Forum Middle East declared that the participation of the President of Eurochambers will enhance the economic relationships, explore new investment opportunities and boost business partnership between GCC and Europe. This visit is considered as the first-ever visit of H.E. Mr. Simon to the GCC region and the decision came at a strategic timing to action the MoU which has been just signed between Eurochambers and the Federation of GCC Chamber on October 2007 for Economic Co-operation.

H.E. Mr. Simon will be a special guest of this Forum, during which he will deliver a speech during the Official Opening Session at the day one, 8th April 2008, about the role of Eurochambres in enhancing the Europe-GCC economic relationship and facilitating the FTA which is in its final stages to be signed in addition to the future of Europe-GCC relationship under the umbrella the FTA.

This international economic and investment forum will be the first serious step for these two major regions of the world to meet, network and do business. During its sessions, the latest economic strategies, policies and the available investment opportunities will be highlighted. In addition to the exchange of professional experiences and dialogue in the field of several important topics of mutual interest for both regions like: common market, commercial arbitration, free economy, common currency, economic co-operation, investment promotion, and prospect of the proposed Free Trade Agreement with European Union.

The key sectors which will be included in the program are: energy, renewable energy, natural resources, transport, infrastructure, mining, oil and gas, housing, telecommunication, IT, tourism, public health, trading, financial services and banking, manufacturing, etc., which will be discussed through plenary sessions, specialised and national sessions, round tables, national and corporate presentations. This forum will also provide a platform to showcase and promote investment and business development opportunities in various economic sectors for potential GCC's financial institutions, institutional investors, corporate, traders, developers and high net-worth individuals to develop business opportunities.