LOC15:38
12:38 GMT
(With photos)
BEIRUT, May 2 (KUNA) -- The Lebanese capital of Beirut is getting ready to
host the 20th Arab Economic Forum which is expected to focus on the impact of
"Arab Spring" on economic stability and development in the Arab world.
Organizers of the Arab Economic Forum (AEF) held a press conference
announcing the launch of the proceedings of AEF to take place in Beirut this
month, 10 and 11 of May, at the Phoenicia Hotel.
The press conference witnessed the participation of Saad Al-Azhari,
Vice-Chairman of the Association of Banks in Lebanon, Raouf Abou Zaki, CEO of
Al-Iktissad Wal Aamal Group and Riad Salameh, governor of the Central Bank of
Lebanon.
For his part, Abou Zaki, CEO of Al-Iktissad Wal Aamal Group pointed out
that the 2012 Arab Economic Forum is expected to attract wide and high level
attendance by prime ministers, ministers and top government officials from
many Arab countries; business, finance and investment leaders from the Arab
world and the wider region; regional and international development and finance
institutions; experts in various fields; the Arab and international media and
other interested parties.
He added the forum will provide an effective platform for dialogue and
discussion on many issues of the hour at the Arab and international levels.
Meanwhile, Al-Azhari, Vice-Chairman of the Association of Banks in Lebanon
hailed the forum is one of the most important economic events in the Arab
world.
He added that the forum is held this year in a turbulent time due to
political upheavals in the Arab region and the global financial and economic
crises.
As for Lebanon, Al-Azhari noted that the Lebanese economy has succeeded in
overcoming the challenges of this critical situation with a package of swift
measures.
Salameh, governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, added hat the banking sector
in Lebanon is not affected by regional conflicts, expecting an 8 percent
growth in deposits.
The 20th Arab Economic Forum will be held under the patronage of the Prime
Minister of Lebanon Najib Mikati and in collaboration with the Central Bank
and the Association of Banks in Lebanon.
This year's session takes place against the background of ongoing historic
political change in the Arab world, with some "Arab Spring" countries moving
steadily ahead in establishing free democratic systems and revitalizing their
economies while others continue to face troubling and in some cases violent
conditions as they seek to emerge from the process of transition successfully
and with the least possible cost. (end)
ah.ibi
KUNA 021538 May 12NNNN