Standard Chartered recently hosted its annual forum in Dubai with focus on the accelerated growth of emerging economies.

The 2011 event was held at Madinat Jumeirah and was attended by more than 500 of the Bank’s clients and senior management. The forum was held under the title: “The Super-Cycle: Emerging economies poised to accelerate”.

"With the shift of global power to emerging markets economies, especially to those in the East, the UAE and other GCC economies have greatly benefited from their strong trade and investment links with Asia,” said Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the guest of honour at the forum.

“Given Standard Chartered’s expertise in emerging economies, and its long standing relationship with DIFC, we are confident that our partnership will play an important role in developing these links."

The annual event was held exclusively for Standard Chartered’s clients, and presents a cohesive programme that provides them with valuable insight, outlook, commentary and platforms for networking to further understand the current unprecedented market challenges and seize opportunities to outperform in the current climate, a statement said.

Lenny Feder, group head of financial markets, Standard Chartered, said: “The Standard Chartered Dubai Forum presents a valuable networking platform for us to better understand our clients’ business needs and how we can support them.”

“The Middle East is a key market for Standard Chartered. We remain confident of the long-term prospects of this region. Given our strong financial performance over the last few years, our deep knowledge of the emerging markets and drivers of today’s global economic recovery, we are well-positioned to support the growth of our many clients in the Middle East.”

Dan Azzi, co-head of wholesale banking, Menap, Standard Chartered, added: “Despite the significant political and economic challenges that some parts of the region are facing, we remain convinced that the Middle East offers significant opportunities for growth.”

“With strong business and banking foundations, a global network across the most dynamic markets in today’s global economy and a world class infrastructure, Standard Chartered is ideally positioned to make a real difference in the economies and the communities we work within and the businesses we partner with,” Azzi said. – TradeArabia News Service