DUBAI, 16 April 2008 — Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al-Qasimi, UAE minister of foreign trade, yesterday opened the 2nd Middle-East Asia Leadership Forum in Dubai.
Around 400 CEOs from Gulf States, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, and Malaysia are attending the two-day event that started at Jumeira Tower Hotel.
During her speech Sheikha Lubna lauded the phenomenal economic progress of the Middle East and Asia and emphasized the important role of the two regions in the global economy.
Organized under the theme “The CEO Challenge: Sustaining Growth, Expanding the Boundaries,” the forum will discuss both the sustainability of the two region’s rapid economic growth and the exploration of new areas of progress.
“Recent market turbulence has left companies and economies across the world reeling from the impact. Looking ahead, it is difficult to assess what the future holds, but one thing seems certain — the Middle East and Asia are moving fast along the path of economic growth.
The two regions are integrating more closely with the global economy, and the rise in their domestic consumption and investment are providing a counter-balance to the global slowdown,” said Sheikha Lubna. “The UAE government is actively seeking to solidify its economic ties with all Asian nations. The rapid growth of our economy and the attractive investment opportunities in my country have enticed many companies in Asia to do business with local firms,” she added.
The event’s other distinguished keynote speakers include Sheikh Nahyan ibn Mubarak Al-Nahayan, UAE minister of higher education and scientific research; Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, chairman, Manchester City Football Club and former prime minister of Thailand; and Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, secretary-general, Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The forum will feature eight high-profile plenary sessions.