Bahrain is gearing up to host the fourth GCC Financial Forum, that will provide a platform to debate and discuss the global economic outlook, its recovering and its effects on regional financial markets.

Organised by Euromoney Conferences and co-hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), will take place on February 24 and 25 at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa, said a statement.

It will feature a range of topics including regional finance in the global market place; the role of private capital in public projects; Bahrain’s real economy; the growth of local companies and the pipeline of hydrocarbon projects, it said.

More than 400 leading international and regional financial experts from finance, investment, government, and regulatory organisations and businesses from 18 countries are expected to attend the event.

Dr Jarmo Kotilaine, chief economist of the EDB, will moderate sessions alongside the editorial team from Euromoney Conferences and Petroleum Economist.

Richard Banks, director, Emerging Markets, Euromoney Conferences, said: “This is the fourth GCC Financial Forum and it is now established as a flagship international conference. We are grateful for the strategic partnership and support extended by the Economic Development Board in the Kingdom of Bahrain and our sponsors.

“2015 and beyond will be, if anything, more complex and challenging than the recent past. With a shift in the oil market, the return of geopolitics and ever increasing regulation – the regional financial sector must redefine both its role and its methods.  The GCC Financial Forum is one place where the region and the world come together to make this change a reality.”

Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister for Transportation and Telecommunications and acting chief executive of EDB, said: “Bahrain has long been a leader in the financial services sector, with over 40 years as a financial hub in the region. This year the GCC will provide a platform for the financial sector to address some of the biggest questions in the industry.

“We are delighted to be co-hosting Euromoney once again, and we look forward to welcoming key international commentators, and influential personalities from the public and private sectors in Bahrain”.

A working agenda which includes keynote addresses and topics for panel discussions is available on the Euromoney website, said the statement.

This year Euromoney's multi-channel approach will utilise social media platforms such as Twitter: inviting interested participants to voice their opinions using the hashtag #emBahrain during the various sessions, it added. - TradeArabia News Service