H.H. The Crown Prince leads Bahrain delegation to World Economic Forum on the Middle East

The event, which takes place from 15-17 May, will be a timely gathering of the foremost regional and global leaders. Themed "Implications for the Global Economic Crisis for the Middle East: Home Grown Strategies for Success", it comes as the region looks to restore its own growth in the face of the current global economic crisis.

The Bahrain delegation includes senior figures from the Government of Bahrain and the EDB who will participate in several high profile forums during the event:

- "Enhancing Global, Regional and Human Security" - 15 May
H.H. the Crown Prince will discuss the important improvements in global cooperation required as the world undergoes a profound transformation amid the global economic crisis
- "The 'Right' Rescue Package for the Middle East" - 16 May
H.E. Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and Chairman of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, will identify the measures countries should introduce to render their economies more resilient and better positioned for growth
- "Global Redesign Series: The Middle East G20 Imperative" - 15 May
H.E. Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the EDB, will speak on the rightful place of the Middle East in the new global economic architecture

Sh. Mohammed said:

"This is an important event for the Middle East as we look at how best to deal with the current global economic crisis. The downturn has had an impact on our region and although this has been far less severe than in many other parts of the world this is no time for complacency. We must work together to manage the impact. With the world crisis there is also the opportunity to emerge stronger, with a renewed ability to provide a better tomorrow for our people."

Bahrain itself is better placed than many other nations worldwide to weather the current global economic downturn, having taken a number of domestic measures designed to strengthen the long term sustainability and prosperity of the Kingdom.

These include a prudent fiscal and monetary approach, a long term strategy of economic diversification and a tried and tested regulatory framework with a commitment to the highest international standards.

The full Bahrain delegation to WEF on the Middle East comprises:
- H.H. Sh. Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Chairman of the EDB
- H.E. Sh. Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- H.E. Sh. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and Chairman of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Co.
- H.E. Mr. Nezar Al Baharna, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- H.E. Sh. Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, CE, Bahrain EDB
- Mr. Mohammed Al Amer, President, Central Informatics Organisation (CIO)
- Mr. Talal Al Zain, CEO, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company
- Dr. Fareed Al Mulla, CEO, Oasis Capital Bank
- Mr. Adel Matar, EDB Board Member, CEO & Managing Director, Awal Gulf Manufacturing Co.
- Sh. Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Head, Global Markets Middle East & North Africa, Deutsche Bank
- Mrs. Suzy Kanoo, President, International Motor Trading Agency
- Mr. Mazin Al Shehabi, Founder, Mazin Computer Centre
- Mr. Mohammed Abdulkarim, Director of Financial Stability at Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB)
- Mr. John Knight, COO, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Co.