The first conference discussing mutual investment in the Gulf States and the City of London will take place on 16th June 2006. The event, ‘The City & The GCC - Partnership for Prosperity’ will be hosted by the City of London Corporation and the Middle East Association. It will be the first opportunity for the international financial community to discuss investment opportunities in the Gulf since the Middle East stock markets’ correction in early March and also the recent high-profile Middle East investment activity in the West.
The conference presents an opportunity for representatives from the Gulf States and the international financial community in London to network and discuss rapid developments in the Gulf markets; which have seen tremendous growth in recent years. It is also an opportunity to analyse the rising investment activity from Middle East investors in companies as diverse as P&O and Euronext.
The event will be addressed by The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman David Brewer. Robert Gray, conference chairman, said: “The Gulf States are an emerging opportunity - stock markets grew by 92% in 2005 and local economies are experiencing rapid change buoyed by the high price of oil. Although the region experienced a correction in March, over 110 IPOs are expected in the region over the next 18 months which offers an unprecedented source of new business opportunities for advisors, financiers and lawyers.
“This conference highlights the importance the City of London places on the Gulf’s financial markets and is an excellent opportunity for both representatives of the Gulf States and the international financial community in London and Europe to learn, share and realise the potential of the Gulf States.
“The one day conference will feature a series of speakers and panel discussions looking at developments in capital markets, external investments and the role of the City of London in the Gulf States; Islamic finance and regulation and corporate governance.”
The conference is being held by the Middle East Association (MEA) which has promoted trade between the UK, Middle East, North Africa and Turkey for over 40 years. The MEA has a membership of over 500 British and international companies and is estimated to be responsible for about 75% of trade between the UK and the region.
The MEA and Compass Rose International have recently formed an exciting strategic partnership, bringing the benefits of their combined expertise to delegates, governments and sponsors through a range of events focussing on sustainable development across the Middle East and North Africa.
