Senior IMF official praises Dubai 2003 arrangements

Mr Graham Hacche, Deputy Director of the External Relations Department at the IMF, visited the new Dubai International Convention Centre and other areas of Dubai involved in the preparations for the Annual Meetings to assess the current progress of the intensive preparations now underway.

During a press briefing Mr Hacche said: "I have been tremendously impressed with the readiness of Dubai and the UAE to host the 2003 Annual Meetings. The Dubai International Convention Centre is a world-class development that will provide a superb environment for the members of the IMF and World Bank Group in September. We are particularly looking forward to holding our Annual Meetings in the Middle East for the first time."

Mr. Hacche also outlined the events expected to take place in the days before the Annual Meetings of Governors on 23 and 24 September, including the meetings of the International Monetary and Financial Committee and a Programme of Seminars.

He also gave members of the media details of how they must become officially registered directly through the IMF or World Bank to attend the meetings.

"Wherever the Annual Meetings are held, in Washington or a major international city, media registration is centrally coordinated by the IMF and World Bank Group. Even journalists based and working in Dubai have to register for their press credentials through us."

"All accredited journalists are welcome and we expect to be able to begin taking applications for registration in June," explained Mr. Hacche.

Dubai 2003 Assistant General Coordinator Mr. Ahmed Al Banna added: "We are delighted to have hosted Mr Hacche during his short visit to Dubai and welcome his very positive comments about the arrangements for next year's Annual Meetings.

"Everyone at Dubai 2003 has also been impressed and encouraged by the wholehearted support and enthusiasm we have received from Mr. Hacche and his IMF colleagues and staff at the World Bank Group to help us in our preparations to bring the world's financial community to the UAE next September."

The Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund were first held in Washington DC in 1946. They are hosted by an international city one year in three. Dubai and the UAE were selected because of its highly developed transportation and logistics infrastructure, growing importance as a financial hub and its established position as an oasis of opportunity.

ENDS