Dubai Group to host Commonwealth Business Council's first Middle East conference

The Summit to be held on 4th - 5th February is themed 'The Commonwealth in Dubai — driving trade and investment through the Middle East'. It will examine the role of Dubai and the Middle East region in promoting economic development, and will bring together high profile delegates from all over the world. Notable guests will include:

- Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius.

- Minister of Trade and Industry from Egypt.

- Minster for Finance and Economic Affairs from Tanzania.

- Minster of Trade and Commerce from India.

- Minister of International Trade & Industry from Malaysia.

The high-profile international gathering will draw active participation from other senior representatives of governments and businesses in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, to explore avenues leading to increased collaboration.

Soud Ba'alawy, Executive Chairman, Dubai Group, said:

"Dubai Group has investments in Africa and looks to build upon its current knowledge base. We look forward to engaging experts and leaders from the region, especially now, when the world economy is desperately looking for a new direction."

Dr. Mohan Kaul, CEO, Commonwealth Business Council, said, "We are delighted to be working with Dubai Group on this event. The Commonwealth is an influential economic bloc accounting for over 20% of global trade, and this initiative will look at expanding ties with the Gulf region and Arab world. The participation of so many senior government and private sector leaders indicates the importance the Forum has given to exploring new business partnerships."

The Summit will address how emerging markets can increase investment inflows, trade and capacity in sectors that allow them to create a sustainable competitive advantage. It will also address the subject of financing for infrastructure development, as well as key issues or resource mobilisation, managing food price rises and the role of business in supporting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) Call to Action.

The Commonwealth Business Council works towards removing trade barriers, mobilising investment into Commonwealth countries, fostering a good environment for business and investment, promoting good practice in corporate governance and corporate citizenship, and facilitating the engagement of the private sector in information communication technology for development initiatives.