Bahrain's economy in spotlight as annual Euromoney Conference begins

"Once again, key economic opinion formers will bring their analytic microscope to Bahrain, for Euromoney's annual conference focused on the Kingdom," said Richard Banks, Regional Director for Euromoney.

"We will seek a variety of opinions from both government and private sectors in order to evaluate the likely course of the Kingdom in these challenging times, and to discuss whether the Kingdom's strong economic performance in 2012 is likely to continue."

Key participants from Bahrain include H.E. Mr. Kamal Bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board; H.E. Mr. Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain; Mr. Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji CEO of Mumtalakat; Shaikh Mohamed Bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa Chief Executive of The Oil and Gas Holding Company (nogaholding); Mr. Abdulkarim Ahmed Bucheery Chief Executive of BBK and Chairman of Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB); Shaikh Hesham Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa Deputy General Manager of the Bahrain Development Bank; Mr. Jamal Al-Hazeem CEO of BMI Bank and Mr. Fouad Rahman Rashid Director of the Bahrain Bourse.

The importance of Bahrain's economy and financial sector - not just to Bahrainis but to the wider region - is demonstrated by the attendance of international participants such as Lord Malloch-Brown, Former UN Deputy Secretary-General, and Ralph Acampora of Altaira Ltd.

H.E. Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive, EDB, supported the regional relevance of the conference, saying: "The long term potential of the Gulf market will continue to draw in businesses and investors, which should help to push countries to more open economic policies. One of Bahrain's main challenges and opportunities will be to enable investors to use the country as a springboard for servicing the Gulf region and beyond. As we continue to drive forward our economic growth and diversification strategy, we look forward to welcoming key international commentators, as well as a host of important individuals from the public and private sectors in Bahrain, to the event this week."

Now in its second year, the Euromoney Bahrain conference returns not only to continue discussions on macroeconomic picture, but also the wealth management and private banking industry in Bahrain and the GCC, and the wider role of the financial sector in Bahrain's economic development.

With nearly 20% of Bahrainis employed in the financial sector, its health and development are vital to the continuing economic prosperity of the Kingdom. The event will evaluate the vision and outlook for financial services in Bahrain given the pressure the sector is under regionally and globally.

The first day, Tuesday 5th March, will be dedicated to high level local and international speakers and will focus on Bahrain's macroeconomic strategy and public finances, the development of the financial sector, the financing of the country's infrastructure needs and the progress of capital markets.

The second day, Wednesday 6th March, will be committed to the wealth management and private banking sectors.