The detailed program for the first Gulf Economic Forum was announced in Muscat yesterday by the Omani Center for Investment Promotion and Export Development (OCIPED). The Forum, organized with the support of the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC) Secretariat is promoted by leading Omani company Darran supported by Dow Jones.
The event, to be held at Al-Bustan Palace Hotel from November 1 - 3, will feature international experts and senior representatives from Omani and Gulf business communities to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the regional economy.
While the development of AGCC countries has been significant since the early 80s, many commentators feel that the region's main challenges lie ahead of it. In particular they highlight the issue of satisfying the aspirations of the emerging generation and the need for enhanced investment in education and training systems.
The Gulf Economic Forum provides a unique platform for key decision makers in both the private and governmental sectors to meet to discuss different aspects of the region's future economic development and to provide an agenda for action in a number of key policy areas.
Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of the Gulf Economic Forum is its focus on the wider Gulf region. The Forum is actively encouraging participation from both the AGCC member states as well as regional countries such as Iraq, Iran and Yemen. Traditional and prospective trade partners such as the countries of East Africa and the Central Asian Republics of the CIS who share common economic features and economic development issues with GCC members are also being invited to participate in the Forum. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
