The economies of the GCC face a number of significant challenges over the coming year, caused by a diverse range of factors. The prospect of a significant slowdown – and the measures countries can take to avoid this – will be analyzed during The Euromoney Qatar Conference taking place in Doha on Dec. 6-7, 2016. Austerity, tightening liquidity, volatile energy prices and lower investor confidence levels are all having an impact on economic prospects in the region and globally. However, some nations – including Qatar – have opportunities to outperform their peers because of their focus on diversification and long-term investment. In order to provide insight into Qatar's long-term strategy and policies, The Euromoney Qatar Conference will include an official Keynote Address from Ali Shareef Al Emadi, Minister of Finance. In addition, senior executives from Qatar Financial Centre Authority and QNB Group will take part in a panel discussion on "Qatar's reaction to the new macroeconomic headwinds", examining key issues including the proposed introduction of VAT and efforts being made to manage liquidity challenges. The session will also look at public spending plans, and the role that institutional investors could play moving forward to ensure delivery and successful execution. Victoria Behn, Director, Middle East and Africa, Euromoney Conferences, said: "It's clear that countries in the region are facing increased pressure on their budgets and are looking for ways to avoid or mitigate the impacts of a slowdown in 2017. Qatar offers a very positive model for the region due to its efforts to diversify and the long-term planning underpinning the Qatar National Vision 2030, which we think will offer significant insight for the banking leaders attending The Euromoney Qatar Conference 2016." According to the most recent Qatar Economic Insight report from QNB Group, non-hydrocarbon investment spending will drive growth in Qatar the coming period, with real GDP growth set to accelerate from 3.2 percent in 2016 to 3.8 percent in 2017 and 4.1 percent in 2018. The report also suggests that inflation will rise to 3.2 percent in 2016 and 3.4 percent in 2017. — SG
