Dubai to host 2010 COMESA Investment Forum

8 Nov 2010

LONDON: IC Events has again partnered with the COMESA Regional Investment Agency (RIA) to produce the programme and agenda for COMESA's 2010 Investment Forum scheduled to take place next year, 23-24 March 2011, in Dubai. COMESA RIA will spearhead the forum in partnership with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

IC Events was first commissioned by COMESA RIA, the investment promotion arm of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretariat, to produce their third COMESA Investment Forum, held 12-13 April 2010 in Sharm El Sheikh. The forum, which was held in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Investment, attracted over 800 participants from 65 countries, under the theme 'Connecting Africa to the world'.

The fourth COMESA Investment Forum aims to bring together policy-makers and business leaders from some of Africa's most successful companies to unveil new projects and highlight the business potential and opportunities within COMESA's 19 member states. Participants will discuss ways to contribute to Africa's long term economic growth through close collaborations between local and foreign investors and the public sector.

Investment opportunities ripe in Africa

Commented Omar Ben Yedder, CEO of IC Publications: "Our group has over 50 years experience in the African and Middle Eastern markets and we welcome opportunities to work alongside the organisations and institutions that share our goals and mission for the continued socio-economic empowerment and sustainable development within our regions. COMESA RIA, much to their credit, are playing a lead role in driving investment into their member states through greater regional integration and also by enhancing partnerships with international organisations and businesses. Our experts follow the ground-level activity closely and we are only too aware of how ripe the investment opportunities are for international competitors. We are delighted to be involved, yet again, with COMESA RIA for their fourth COMESA Investment Forum and we are optimistic about the potential the event will have not only for the member states but for the rest of the African economic community. Having the event in Dubai is all the more pertinent given how it has risen to become a successful trading and investment hub."

The event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum - UAE VP, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

IC Events is the events arm of media group IC Publications, publishers of pan-African magazines African Business, African Banker and New African, as well as The Middle East.