Naseba launches Mena Investors Summit

This summit brings together pre-qualified investors including sovereign funds, institutional, ultra high net-worth individuals and family business owners to access cutting edge investment opportunities and reformed, safe investment vehicles.

Among the distinguished visionaries speaking at the summit is Dr. John Sfakianakis, the Group General Manager and Chief Economist of Banque Saudi Fransi and Chief Economist, Mena, for Credit Agricole (Calyon) C.I.B., who will participate in the discussion panel 'Regional dynamics of the post-recession economy. A macroeconomic snapshot: understanding affected regions and the hidden promises within Mena and beyond'.

Focusing on the current economic status of the region, Dr. Sfakianakis, commented:

"The outlook for the Middle East has improved over the past few months as oil prices have recovered and a cautious global economic recovery is underway. Cross regional growth differences have emerged for 2010 as well as variation regarding inflation, public spending and fiscal prudence. The Gulf region is set to benefit from high government spending but higher than expected oil revenue as the private sector continues to deleverage."

"Asset price inflation is still impacting certain Gulf countries. Some non-oil exporting countries have demonstrated resilience whilst others have been impacted by lower worker remittances and foreign direct investments. Even as the MENA region gradually recovers investment opportunities abound after any crisis," he added.

Dr. Sfakianakis published frequently on Saudi economic and trade issues as well as issuing the first business confidence index report by a Saudi-based bank. He regularly contributes articles for the international and local printed media. He is often a commentator in major regional and international news channels such as Al Arabiya, BBC, CNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg. Prior to joining SABB, Dr. Sfakianakis was the Chief Regional Economist of Samba Financial Group where he published on Saudi economic affairs.

He also worked for the United National Development Program (UNDP) seconded at the Ministry of Economy and Planning of Saudi Arabia where he served as part of the 8th planning team for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Sfakianakis worked as a senior financial advisor to the Gulf Research Center (GRC) and continues until today to be member of the editorial board of the GRC.