Sakana participates in First Euro - Arab Real Estate Conference in Barcelona

The aim of the conference was to explore investment opportunities and to build the blocks for a sustainable co-operation between Arab and Europe region.

Mr. Lakshmanan's presentation was on 'Islamic Law & Finance - The new Silk Road to investment and business straddling Europe and Mena region'. The major focus of the presentation was on the rationale for trade and investment flows between the two regions - with GCC states buying bulk of their imports from Europe and EU being the main trade partner for Mediterranean countries. Issues and challenges currently faced by Mena region was highlighted and the steps that have been taken to improve the regional economic integration in the Arab World.

Mr. Lakshmanan also discussed the current status of Islamic finance in Europe with UK being the gateway. He concluded by highlighting the opportunities by which a new Silk Road could be built to facilitate investment and business between the two regions particularly in alternative energy, infrastructure, education and health. In addition Europe should make efforts to expand Islamic finance with inclusive approach by targeting non-Muslims with competitive product offerings.

Mr. Lakshmanan was also a panel speaker on 'Islamic housing finance' and 'Comparative issues in structuring successful Islamic real estate transaction'.

The conference was part of the annual Barcelona Meeting Point International Real Estate Show & Symposium, one of the top three international realty events held in the European Union. The event was attended by large number of international delegates from both regions including members of the Arab Union for Real Estate Development (AURD).