GIB to host 2014 IIF MENA Regional Economic Forum

Forum will address prospects for the regional financial sector and economies in addition to discussions on the energy outlook for the region.

GIB announced that it will host the 2014 Institute of International Finance (IIF) MENA Regional Economic Forum which takes place from September 29-30 at the Ritz Carlton in Bahrain. The forum brings together senior executives of IIF member firms in the MENA region, and of global institutions active in the region, for an exchange of views on global and regional economic and financial developments. The forum will address the challenges of economic diversification and meaningful job creation in the oil-producing economies, prospects for political stability and sustainable economic growth in the transition countries, global energy markets and the future role of the MENA oil producers in global energy supplies, and prospects for Arab economic cooperation and private sector intra-regional capital flows.

Dr. Yahya Alyahya, CEO, Gulf International Bank, a member of the IIF board said, "We are delighted to host the 2014 edition of the IIF MENA Regional Economic Forum against the backdrop of the region's growing stature in the global financial system. From prospects for the regional financial sector and economies to the energy outlook for the region, the range of discussions and speakers at the forum will foster a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Middle East".

George T. Abed, Senior Counselor and Director for Africa and the Middle East at the IIF, stated, "We are delighted to partner with our colleagues at Gulf International Bank, a long-standing member of the IIF, in organizing this important regional event. The IIF greatly values its large and growing membership in the MENA region and is pleased with the high level of collaboration we have with policy makers and market participants in promoting financial stability and sustainable growth through a variety of programs tailored to the needs of financial institutions in the region".

GIB is a leading bank in the Middle East with its principal focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states offering a range of financial products and services that meet the needs of its customers. These services include investment banking services, asset management, financial market products, initial public and private offerings, Sukuk and bonds issuance and Shariah compliant financial services.

The Institute of International Finance is the global association for the financial industry, with close to 500 members from 70 countries. Its mission is to support the financial industry in the prudent management of risks; to develop sound industry practices; and to advocate for regulatory, financial and economic policies that are in the broad interests of its members and foster global financial stability and sustainable economic growth. Within its membership IIF counts leading global banks, insurers, pension funds, asset managers and sovereign wealth funds, as well as leading law firms and consultancies.