Yale professor will present global macroeconomic outlook at opening DIFCweek event, developed with support of EIU
Dubai, 20 October, 2007: Robert Shiller, Stanley B. Resor Professor of Economics, Yale University, will open the DIFC Economic Forum the first event of DIFCweek with his presentation of the global macroeconomic outlook for 2008.
Professor Shiller will present the themes likely to dominate global investment in the coming 12 months, including oil prices, inflation, credit markets and how changes in capital movement could affect the world financial markets, particularly in the Gulf.
His speech will be followed by a debate from panelists Jose Luis Escriva, Chief Economist of BBVA; Han de Jong, Chief Economist of ABN Amro; and Eric Vergnaud, Head of OECD Research for BNP Paribas; moderated by Robin Bew, Editorial Director and Chief Economist, Economist Intelligence Unit.
Shiller said: "I am delighted to be associated with the DIFC Economic Forum and to participate in such a significant conference about emerging markets. This is a time when the extraordinary successes of emerging markets have been driving the world economy. Yet, vulnerabilities abound. I look forward to the conference, where we can share our knowledge about the historic changes that are taking place around us."
The unique one-day conference has been created by DIFC, with the support of the Economist Intelligence Unit, will be held on Saturday November 17. It is the opening event in DIFCweek, a week of headline conferences, lectures and seminars for the financial sector.
The forum has been designed to provide focus, insight and direction for investors, their advisers and business partners. The forum will expose opportunities and discuss the risks in emerging markets, with emphasis on the implications for the Gulf region.
"At a time when growth in the world's most developed markets may be faltering, many investors are hoping that emerging world can continue to thrive, acting as a source of top and bottom line growth for their companies" said Economist Intelligence Unit's Bew. "But developing countries are not immune to the difficulties appearing elsewhere, and successful businesses will need to manage their risks as well as seizing the opportunities."
Some of the world's leading economists and emerging market specialists have already confirmed their presence. Alongside Shiller, other speakers include: Dr Mark Mobius, Managing Director, Franklin Templeton Investments; Dr Nasser Saidi, chief economist of DIFC Authority; David Hale, Founder, Hale Advisors LLC; and Stephen Roach, Chief Economist, Morgan Stanley.
The forum will examine the prevalence of FDI coming from emerging market companies, particularly China, India and the Middle East, while these same markets continue to attract increasing investment from developed countries.
The DIFC Economic Forum will include both a Global Macroeconomic Outlook and the DIFC Economic Outlook for the Middle East North Africa region. The conference will feature live research and polling, and the data will be released exclusively to DIFC Economic Forum delegates in real time.
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Notes
The DIFC Economic Forum has been developed with the support of the Economist Intelligence Unit which has provided advice and support to the DIFC regarding the event agenda, and assistance with speaker acquisition and logistical support.
About DIFCweek
The DIFC Economic Forum forms part of a number of headline conferences and lectures during DIFCweek, to be held at Dubai International Financial Centre, November 17 - 23. Tickets for both events are priced at $1995, with discounts rising according to delegates' selection of events. For more information, go to www.difcweek.ae.
DIFCweek, the first event of its kind in the Middle East, will focus on Financial Opportunities for the Third Millennium. The week of conferences will address every principal topic in the international financial arena.
About DIFC
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the world's newest global financial hub, was declared open for business on in 2004. The DIFC is ideally located to bridge the gap between existing financial centres of London and New York in the West and Hong Kong and Tokyo in the East. It services a region with the largest untapped emerging market for financial services. The vision of the DIFC is to shape tomorrow's financial map as a global gateway for capital and investment. Its mission is to be a catalyst for regional economic growth, development and diversification by positioning the DIFC as a globally recognised financial centre.
About the Economist Intelligence Unit
The Economist Intelligence Unit is the world's foremost provider of country, industry and management analysis. Founded in 1946 when a director of intelligence was appointed to serve The Economist, the Economist Intelligence Unit is now a leading research and advisory firm with more than 40 offices worldwide. For nearly 60 years, the Economist Intelligence Unit has delivered vital business intelligence to influential decision-makers around the world. Our extensive international reach and unfettered independence make us the most trusted and valuable resource for international companies, financial institutions, universities and government agencies. For further information visit www.eiu.com
For a press pass or media enquiries please contact:
Kirstie Hepburn
Tel +971 4 3622437
Email: c-kirstie.hepburn@difc.ae
Website: www.difceconomicforum.com
© Press Release 2007
