Dubai 2003 conducts a series of interviews with Ministers and officials

The Ministers and officials discussed with Mr. Ibrahim Belselah, General Coordinator of Dubai 2003 the range of opportunities and benefits that will be offered to the Arab world as a result of these meetings. They said that the event was a historic one for the Arab world as it is the first time that these meetings are being held in an Arab nation. It would be of immense benefit to the Arab countries participating at the event because it would bring together top political and finance personalities from around the world.

For the Arab world, this prestigious event offers them an opportunity to address issues and ideas and discuss ways of strengthening their respective economies for their mutual benefit, the ministers and officials said. They were interviewed by Dubai 2003 on the sidelines of the Meeting of Arab Ministers of Trade and Finance held recently in Abu Dhabi. Dubai 2003 participated in this event to present an overview of their work done so far with regard to the Annual Meetings.

Following are excerpts from the interviews:
Syrian Finance Minister: Holding these Annual Meetings in an Arab country reflects the great trust placed on Arab countries by international organizations.

His Excellency, Ghassan Al Refai, Finance Minister of Syria, said: "Syria is proud that this prestigious event is being held in an Arab country for the first time in the history of these Annual Meetings. We are sure that the event in Dubai will be of tremendous value and importance because of the presence of key personalities in finance and banking from around the world.

"The fact that it is being held in an Arab country reflects the trust placed by international organizations on the capabilities of Arab states and shows the capabilities of the UAE in hosting such major events. The various seminars that will be held on the sidelines of these meetings are equally important as Arab states are in great need of this type of interaction to further enhance their knowledge, understanding and skills".

Omani Minister of National Economy: It is a big honour for all of us to see the UAE hosting this event for the first time in the Gulf.

His Excellency, Mr. Ahmed Abdul Nabi Macki, Oman's Minister of National Economy who as Deputy Chairman of the Council of Finance and Energy headed this Council's meeting in Washington last year, said: "This is a big honour for the UAE and we hope it is a great success. We are looking forward to participating in the event and are working with the UAE and coordinating with them to ensure its success as if the event was happening in Oman. We see this as an ideal opportunity for countries in the region to showcase the progress made by them in the economic sector".

Morocco's Minister of Finance and Privatization: Arab countries should reap economic benefits from this meeting.

Morocco's Minister of Finance and Privatization, His Excellency, Fathallah Oualalou, said: "As this is the first time this meeting is being held in an Arab country, this meeting is very important for the Arab world. The Arab countries that will participate in this event should focus on the Development Meetings held in Doha and Johannesburg, where they reached agreement on ways of coordinating development activities among Arab countries and further boosting commercial relations. It is hoped that the Arab countries will use this opportunity to enter into serious discussions as the Arab world is facing a number of challenges following the recent developments in the region.At this meeting there will be geo-political decisions made on the economy and because of this we should be well prepared for this event so that it will place us in a stronger negotiating position.

Lebanon's Minister of Finance: Holding the Annual Meetings in an Arab country reflects capabilities of Arab countries to host international events.

His Excellency, Mr. Fuad Al Sanioura, Lebanon's Minister of Finance said: "Holding these Annual Meetings in the UAE is an important gain for every country and will give the participating countries the opportunity to further enhance their image internationally with regard to organizational capabilities, coordinating logistics and providing world class infrastructure that is comparable to the best in the developed world.

It is a proud honour indeed and we are confident that officials in the UAE will make tremendous efforts to ensure the event is a huge success. The Annual Meetings are a good occasion for the Arab world as it will bring together all important personalities in finance and economy from across the world. Lebanon headed the meeting held in Washington of the Group of 24 consisting of the emerging countries. The Annual Meetings present a good opportunity for the Group of 24 to benefit from the prestigious international gathering.

Economic Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister of Egypt: "The Annual Meetings is a great step for the Arab world as it is an appreciation of the role played by Arab countries.

Dr. Hatem Al Kharnashawi, Economic Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister of Egypt, said: "This event is a great step for the Arab countries as it reflects appreciation of the role played by Arab countries. It also offers an opportunity for them to express their positions, especially in recent times where we have to fix our role in the international scene. We hope that Arab countries can show what they have achieved and their capabilities in the economic sector. From now on until these Annual Meetings, we should strengthen our coordination in preparation for the event. The UAE is a centre for different Arab systems and it is taking its commitment to the Arab world very seriously. We hope the UAE would benefit from this experience. We know that this is a great economic gathering that will benefit the Arab world".

Governor of Central Bank of Jordan: Annual Meetings an opportunity for world to see what Arab countries can offer in terms of world-class facilities.

Mr. Umayya Toukan, Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan said: The Annual Meetings are very important for the Arab world, especially since this is the first time they are being held in an Arab country. We are proud of the fact that the UAE is hosting the event. The UAE is known for many achievements regionally and internationally and is a role model for the Arab world as they have successfully faced and overcome numerous challenges to build a modern nation. Having the meeting in the UAE is an opportunity for the world to know what each Arab country can offer in terms of world-class facilities.There are some skills you cannot see unless you have a good administration and this is what the UAE has".

General Manager of Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa: Annual Meetings an opportunity for members of Arab Monetary Fund to showcase their efforts
General Manager of Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Mr. Midhat Samy Lutfi said: " The UAE has great capabilities to host the Annual Meetings which will be attended by thousands of people from all over the world. The Annual Meetings present an opportunity for member states of the Arab Monetary Fund to promote what they have implemented and achieved and also what they can offer to emerging countries.

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation: Annual Meetings come at a crucial time
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi said that these Annual Meetings will be taking place at a crucial time and that everyone should contribute and coordinate towards achieving the desired results. He observed that there were excellent efforts made by the UAE to organize this event, which was being held for the first time in an Arab country.

ENDS