BNP Paribas set for growth in the GCC with its 8th Middle East annual territory meeting

The high profile event was attended by prominent guest speakers as well as key management from BNP Paribas' regional and global offices. Among the key speakers, were Talal Al Zain - Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat and Ray Everett - Head of Middle East and South Africa of Mc Lagan Partners.

The GCC is one of BNP Paribas' key markets, due to its financial power, fast accelerating openness and its increased sophistication. As a result, the group has set high-level objectives for all three core-business lines: Corporate and Investment Banking; International Retail Services, and Asset Management and Services. To date, these objectives are being met and exceeded with excellent results in the first quarter of 2008,

On the occasion, Georges Chodron De Courcel, Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Executive Committee Board of BNP Paribas Group and sponsor of the region, commented: "The group's eyes are fixed on the GCC due to its growth and importance, and I am pleased to note the region office's positive performance, given the challenges faced. We have a strategic commitment to support and grow the GCC regional activities, and have set plans for that over the coming year. We hope to make a strong and lasting positive contribution in this region."

The two-day event, which witnessed significant increase in attendance from previous years (180 participants), included a wide range of presentations, case studies, and workshops, strategic to the growth of the region, as well as, BNP Paribas' presence in it, and contribution to it.