The MENA Investors Summit 2009 kicks off today (Sunday) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh. The summit is considered as the first ever investor focused, deal flow initiative in the MENA region and will host 28 companies which will be allowed to present investment opportunities to up to 350 of the most dynamic, influential and decision making investors in the world, in an exclusive, private business meeting format. The summit will feature detailed discussions of the latest investment trends and strategies which can instigate capital flow in the region. Discussion topics include investment prospects, business dynamics in the emerging markets, burgeoning sectors and regions in the world, understanding returns on capital injection private business and development project under the current financial circumstances, financial institutions and long-term and short-term investment vehicles. Among the luminaries speaking at the summit is Dr. John Sfakianakis, chief economist of Banque Saudi Fransi and chief economist, Mena, for Credit Agricole (Calyon) C.I.B. Sfakianakis said “the outlook for the Middle East has improved over the past few months as oil prices have recovered and a cautious global economic recovery is underway. Cross regional growth differences have emerged for 2010 as well as variation regarding inflation, public spending and fiscal prudence. The Gulf region is set to benefit from high government spending but higher than expected oil revenue as the private sector continues to deleverage.” “Asset price inflation is still impacting certain Gulf countries. Some non-oil exporting countries have demonstrated resilience whilst others have been impacted by lower worker remittances and foreign direct investments. Even as the MENA region gradually recovers investment opportunities abound after any crisis,” he added. C. Scott Ragsdale, chairman of Naseba Group, the organizer of the event, said: “We are looking forward to a successful first edition of MENA Investors Summit especially with the profiles of the companies and investors participating. Through the summit, our objective is to support the growth of various industries by offering the ideal venue for key players to meet, discuss and agree on essential approaches in terms of investment.” Extensively pre-qualified investors including sovereign funds, institutional, ultra high net-worth individuals, family business owners, and royal families will attend the summit and discuss the latest investment strategies and access cutting edge global investment opportunities. The summit will include the prestigious MENA Investor Awards 2009 in: • Best Investor In Technology • Private Equity Company Of The Year • Best Investor In Real Estate • Best Investor In Healthcare • Leading Institutional Investor • Investment Professional of the Year Best Investor In Energy • MENA Businessperson Of The Year • Asset Management Firm Of The Year • Leading Shariah
