Investment experts rush to Bahrain's fund forum on how to benefit from Gulf's trillion dollar market

The Fund Forum Middle East 2009 conference is to be held 19-21 October 2009, at the Diplomat Radisson, SAS Hotel in Manama.

Fund Forum Middle East 2009 has several compelling features designed to make it a must-attend event for fund managers who need to understand the future shape of Middle East investment management in a changing economic environment.

This is especially timely with growth rates for the region expected to reach 4.8% by 2014 and the Gulf market approaching trillion dollars in terms of GDP, rivalling that of India.

The conference will include an opening address by Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of EDB, on investment opportunities in the top emerging markets after the global financial upheavals.

There will be a guest economist address on the Middle East's role in the world and the future for the MENA economy by Simon Williams, Chief Economist of Gulf Markets, HSBC Bank - Middle East.

The conference will also provide industry insight and intellectual takeaway from renowned academics, research analysts and leading financial minds for the most comprehensive overview of the Middle Eastern investment management business.

In the Fund Forum Economic Briefing, attendees will gain an overview of the ever-changing economic climate with some of the region's leading experts.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the EDB which is sponsoring the event, said:

"We are delighted to host Fund Forum Middle East for yet another year. Our region is synonymous with the new world of global fund management and is emerging from the worldwide economic slowdown in a stronger position than most. Bahrain has long been home to fund management in the region and we are delighted to welcome so many esteemed guests to debate the future of the industry across the region."