11th Islamic banking conference opens in Bahrain

12/11/2004 3:00:00 PM GMT

Source: Arab News

The 11th international Islamic banking conference opened on Saturday in Bahrain at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Center.

The conference will be attended by representatives from 27 countries and is expected to run until December 13.

Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa ibn Salman Al-Khalifa is expected to attend the opening of the conference.

Forty Six representatives and panelists will engage in discussions with the audience in eight interactive meetings moderated by BBC broadcaster Tim Sebastian.

A new feature will be introduced in the event; the WIBC Competitiveness Report, the world’s first research-led report set to determine and increase the bar of financial performance and strategic development in the Islamic banking and finance industry.

“Kuwait Finance House is delighted to be a Gold Partner of the WIBC 2004. This is an exciting time for our bank and our industry and we are pleased to provide our support,” said the general manager, Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat.

“We are happy to participate in such an important forum that brings the industry together and serves as a platform for stimulating debate and new ideas on how best to take the industry forward and capitalize on the significant growth opportunities and demand for Islamic banking and financial products on a global basis.” He added.

Two workshops on Takaful and the WIBC Competitiveness Report are also expected to run on Saturday.

“Our support for this prestigious event is primed to highlight the importance of providing a conclusive forum for industry leaders to convene and discuss the future of Islamic finance, including Takaful, and to help enforce the need for leading Islamic institutions to coordinate their efforts to further advance this rapidly growing sector,” said Robert King, general manager, Family Takaful, Solidarity.

The international Islamic banking exhibition will be held alongside the conference on Dec. 12 and 13 and will demonstrate Islamic banks, finance companies, insurance companies and IT providers specialized in banking and finance solutions.