Business Forum showcases Kingdom's economic forecast for this year
Manama, Bahrain: 10 January 2011: Capital Club, Bahrain's premier private business club, recently hosted a high-level business forum, 'Bahrain Outlook 2011', which was attended by senior representatives from all sectors in the Kingdom.
Moderated by Jamal Fakhro, Senior Partner, KPMG, the discussion focused on the economic outlook for 2011 across the region and Bahrain in particular, and was led by regional and international specialists who shared their perspective on the future of the region and analysed the impact of the global downturn.
Top-level speakers who attended the Forum included, Khalid Al Zayani: Honorary Chairman (Al Zayani Investments), Christophe Mariot, Regional Head-Structured Finance (BNP Paribas), Don Bradley, Chief Executive (Knight Frank Middle East) and Salman Al-Jishi, President (Salman Group of Companies).
During the forum, mixed views about the region's economic recovery were discussed.
With regards to the property forecast for Bahrain the presenter was of the opinion that the real estate market will continue to be low in 2011 though there is a strong demand in the residential sector as a result of the local housing shortage and the increased interest in expatriate home-ownership. In 2011, the Kingdom will witness the launch of major investment projects which are already in the pipeline. The Kingdom's market is expected to be diversified, where some segments of the economy will develop while others remain static.
The Saudi market will continue to grow due to government support and investments.
The business forum was sponsored by Bloomberg and Max Linnington, the representative of the company commented that when compared to the other countries in the region, Bahrain still has great potential as a central business point due to its stable financial sector, business- friendly environment, logistical benefits and tax advantages.
The Business Forum is one of a series of meetings organized by the Capital Club to provide a platform for Members to hear from experts, exchange views, and prepare their plans for 2011, taking into account the impact of the global financial crisis.
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About Capital Club
The Capital Club is Bahrain's premier private business club and offers a place to relax, celebrate or network in exclusive surroundings on the uppermost floors of the iconic Bahrain Financial Harbour.
It opened in 2008 with a mission to be the leading facilitator for high-end networking within the elite business community. The Capital Club offers an array of benefits to its Members including world-class gourmet cuisine, elegant dining, a library and eight meeting rooms with state-of-the-art audio visual facilities. It provides a luxurious and chic atmosphere unrivalled in the Kingdom.
The Club proactively organizes many social and business gatherings, including special ladies' only functions, to facilitate networking and foster camaraderie amongst Members. Membership is by invitation only with various packages for Bahrainis and expatriates. It offers international privileges through affiliation with more than 250 private clubs worldwide.
Issued on behalf of Capital Club by Hill & Knowlton.
For press information contact:
Afrah Faraj
Hill & Knowlton
Tel: +973 17539 514
Fax: +973 1753 3370
Email: Afrah.faraj@hillandknowlton.com
© Press Release 2011
