Africa FTA talks lined up
GDN | 18 November 2008
Africa FTA talks lined up
MANAMA: The prospect of Free Trade Agreements (FTA) between the Gulf and African countries will be discussed at a major conference in Bahrain next month.
Hundreds of government officials, bankers and investors are expected to attend the event, which aims to strengthen co-operation between both the regions.
Among the topics on the agenda will be co-operation in the areas of tourism, natural resources, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, transport, financial services, housing and telecommunications.
The event, organised by the Monaco-based Crans Montana Forum, is taking place at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa from December 1 to 3.
It will be held in association with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido), Opec Fund for International Development and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Among the confirmed participants is the First Lady of Niger Hadjia Laraba Tandja, who will lead a government delegation in what will be her first official visit to Bahrain.
Kenya Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, Djbouti Prime Minister Dileita Mohamed Dileita and several African ministers and secretary-generals of African will also attend.
Each African country participating will provide an overview of its economy and the opportunities available and officials from Morocco, South Africa, Congo, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Uganda, Mauritania, Senegal, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Bahrain, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will participate.
The event will feature panel discussions, business round table meetings and private business lunches.
Bahrain Businessmen’s Association chairman Khalid Almoayyed, Manama-based Unido office head Dr Hashim Hussein, American University senior legal adviser and law professor Abdelgadir Warsama Ghalib will also attend.
"It is the first event of its kind to connect GCC countries with the African nations, representing a new era of South-South cooperation in today’s rapidly globalising world," said the organisers.
