MANAMA: A key conference on the dynamic economic market in the Gulf and the risks involved opened last night.

The forum was attended by policymakers, experts, business and political leaders.

Transportation Minister and Economic Development Board acting chief executive Kamal Ahmed delivered the keynote address on the Business Opportunity and Political Risk in the Gulf and Middle East.

It is part of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ (IISS) Geo-economics and Strategy Programme and will continue today at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa.

“We have strong, resilient economic growth, sustainable public finances and household balance sheets, current account surpluses, strong government revenues from hydrocarbods and bright prospects for future growth,” said Mr Ahmed.

The opening session of the conference will bring delegates up to date on developments in the wider Middle East also.

Political developments in the past year have once again raised concerns about regional stability and the prospects for economic development, as well as implications for energy security.

“Over the past three years, the IISS Middle East office in Bahrain has become the centre of geo-economics worldwide, with a large number of scholars, policymakers and strategists coming to Bahrain to participate in the geo-economics conferences,” said IISS geo-economics and strategy director Dr Sanjay Baru.

“This year, for the first time, we are hosting a major conference with a focus on business opportunity and political risks in this region.”

“Several prominent business leaders from the GCC and India will be participating in the conference.”

Key participants include: National Bank of Kuwait former group chief executive Ibrahim Dabdoub, McKinsey Middle East director Kito De Boer, KPMG Bahrain and
Qatar managing partner Jamal Fakhro and Punj Lloyd chairman Atul Punj.