Crans Montana 'Strengthening GCC-AFRICA cooperation in the Gulf' Forum concludes with success

This high profile economic and investment forum was organised by Crans Montana Forum Middle East, and Managed by Eventscom - Bahrain in association with OFID OPEC Fund for International Development, and gathered African Government Officials and Businesses, to network with the GCC region's key bankers and investors to discuss recent developments and business opportunities and to promote foreign direct investment and trade.

Yesterday's program comprised the following sessions: "The Arab Direct Investment in Africa", "How can Africa take advantage of the South-South Cooperation implemented by the GCC States", "Developing Business Partnerships", "Opportunities for African Countries to Invest & Operate in a GCC Economy", "Implementing Trade agreements between GCC States and African Countries", "Developing Technology transfers and Business knowledge", "Assisting African countries to develop market-oriented trade Networks", and "Increasing the Role of Women for a Better Management of World Affairs".

A number of Business Roundtables also took places, and the final day of the Forum comprised a special session on "The role of Sovereign Funds in Foreign Investment and Economic Development in Africa".

Notable attendees from the GCC included Her Highness Sheikha Hissah bint Saad Al Abdullah Al Sabah, Chairperson of the Arab Businesswomen's Council (ABC), and H.E. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Foreign Trade Minister of the United Arab Emirates.

Attendees from the African continent included H.E. Maria da Luz Guebuza, the First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, H.E. Mr. Eriya Kategaya, several African Ministers and Secretary Generals of regional African organisations, as well as many other high-profile governmental and corporate personalities.

A number of high-profile African delegations also participated in this important Forum, in addition to several key business personalities from Bahrain's private sector and many senior-level governmental and corporate representatives from Saudi Arabia, and the GCC.

Sponsors of the Forum were Zain, Durra Al Bahrain as Platinum sponsor's, Bahrain Financial Harber as Gold sponsors, BAPCO and National Oil and Gas authority as Silver sponsors, Ministry of Information as function sponsors, VIP shuttle was sponsored by VW, Zawya as Business Communication, and Baytik Industrial Investments sponsored the official Forum dinner.