Amwal and Qatar Business Association sign strategic agreement to bring 9th Arab Business Forum to Doha

The forum will be hosted on the 13th & 14th of December 2005 at Doha Sheraton, It aims to bring together the best business minds in the region to highlight the importance of enhancing the investment environment of Qatar and of the Arab world.

The agreement between Amwal and Qatar Business Association was signed by HH Sheikha Hanadi Nasser Bin Khalid Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of Amwal, and HE Faisal bin Qasim Al Thani, President of the Qatar Business Association.

With the theme of "Investment in an Open World", the forum is expected to attract over 600 delegates. It will feature eminent leaders from the Arab political and business world, who will share their vision on promoting foreign direct investments in the region. Confirmed speakers include, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jasim Al Thani, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Qatar, Mr. Amr Moussa, Secretary General, Arab League, Lebanese Prime Minister Mr. Fouad Al Sanura and Mr. Abdullal Al Dardari, Deputy Syrian Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, amongst others.

"Arab economies are witnessing rapid growth across all sectors and are increasingly occupying a dominant position in the world of international business and economics. At such times, the role of efficient capital generation and management in the region is of great importance,"

said HH Sheikha Hanadi Nasser Bin Khalid Al Thani.

"We are proud to be associated with the Qatar Business Association and the 9th Arab Business Forum. We believe that there is great synergy between Amwal's strategy as the leading Investment banking firm in Qatar and the Qatar Business Associationtaking the lead and building one of Qatar's think tanks to boost business and investment in Qatar," she added.

HE Faisal bin Qasim Al Thani, said, "We are delighted to present this landmark event in Qatar as it not only examines the way forward for the economic success of Qatar but also of the entire Arab World. In particular, it is our honour to have Amwal as our associate in hosting this prestigious event at the new business capital of the region."

"We are confident that Amwal expertise in creating and managing wealth opportunities, combined with our long standing role in boosting the business environment in Qatar makes this an ideal partnership.

Main sessions at the conference will include the role of the Arab business community in social and economic development, growth of Arab Capital Markets, improving non-oil sectors such as tourism and more country specific focus areas such as promoting investment opportunities in Qatar.

"We believe that the 9th Arab Business Forum will reiterate the need to further consolidate Arab presence globally through the creation of a more dynamic investment environment." said Khaled Hassan Rashed, Director of Amwal.

"As Arab countries are taking great strides towards the diversification and globalization of their economies, the 9th Arab Business Forum is timely and will play a pivotal role in taking sustainable development plans to further milestones. We believe that the forum will play a significant role in introducing our companies to the regional business community and help attract more investors to Qatar," he added.