Prominent speakers for DDIA summit

Several prominent speakers will address Dubai Development and Investment Authority's (DDIA) First International Investment Summit scheduled on May 3 to 5.

Some of the confirmed speakers include Donald Johnston, OECD secretary general and Carlos Magarinos, Unido director general, who will speak on 'Leadership in Investment, said DDIA chairman, Mohammed Al Gergawi.

The summit will open with a keynote address by General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister, on 'A vision for the region - Towards Regional Integration, The Way Forward'.

"You cannot help but be impressed by what is going on in the region. I am looking forward to re-visiting it and seeing what progress has been made," commented Johnston.

"With the theme, New World, New Regions, New Imperatives, the summit will explore the implications of the new world order, hurdles and opportunities and how to tap into the Arab region's immense potential to attract investments," elaborated Gergawi.

Saeed Al Muntafiq, DDIA director general, said the summit will create a forum for frank discussion and open deliberation between different states and associations and provide an opportunity for them to share experience.

Patrick Ward, co-chief executive officer, Goldman Sachs International, will speak on 'Macroeconomic Overview: Foreign Direct Investment - Its Status, Hindrances And Role In Global And Regional Development'.

The session will identify the main drivers for FDI and global and regional trends, the position of regional economies within the global context and the actions needed to enhance it.

'The Role of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPA): Building the right grounds for investment Attraction', will be addressed by Patricia Francis, Waipa president and Peter Cassells, Chairman of Forfas-Ireland.

"This region is one of great untapped potential. With the right vision, dedicated leadership and strong cooperation, it is poised to overcome its current challenges and achieve its true potential," elaborated Particia.

The session on 'Dismantling Trade Barriers: The Arab World – A Unified Regional Block' will focus on trade liberalisation, the creation of a rule base mechanism under WTO and explore the pros and cons of a unified economic block or a common market.

'The Region - A new world of opportunity' session will highlight current and prospective regional investment opportunities taking into consideration long-term investments in infrastructure, new industry and government investments in major projects.

'Refocusing capital into the region: Developing Regional Capital Markets' will be the opening session on day three with Phillip Thorpe, Dubai International Financial Centre president and chief commissioner, one of its panelists.

The session will discuss the role of capital markets in promoting growth and development, how can the region attract Arab funds from abroad, how it can mobilise its own capital resources for growth and the role and status of private equity.

'Corporate Governance: Lessons To Be Learnt' will review the importance of transparency, accountability and ethical codes of practice in generating regional investor confidence.

Dr.Ken Courtis, vice chairman, Goldman Sachs Asia, and Simon Murray, executive chairman, Gems, will be the speakers for the 'Trends In The Global Economy: Implications For Investment' session focusing on the present global environment, what lies ahead, the possible scenarios and their implications for the region.

Investment decisions, the risk premium attached to the region and whether it accurately reflects the fundamentals and the challenges and opportunities in it, will be explored in the session on 'Global vs Regional Investment: Determining Institutional Investors Response'.

The concluding session, 'Alternative Funding Sources', will discuss the possible options for privatisation, securitisation and bonds, the lessons learnt from international best practices and whether they can be successful regionally.