His Highness the PM Patrons the 9TH GCC BANKING CONFERENCE

His Highness the PM Patrons the 9TH GCC BANKING CONFERENCE
Under the patronage of His Highness the Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa; the 9th GCC Banking Conference will be taking place in the Kingdom of Bahrain on March 24-25, 2009 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel & Spa.
The Central Bank of Bahrain ‘CBB’ in cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat General is organizing this conference under the theme “A New Era in International Banking Practices: Implications for the GCC Markets.”
As world financial markets are shifting towards a new era in international banking practices, the Kingdom of Bahrain will play host to this timely conference, which was hosted by GCC member states in rotation for the past 15 years.
This important financial forum will be attended by all the governors of the GCC Central Banks and Monetary Agencies, Heads of GCC Capital Markets, senior bankers from the region, as well representatives of the world’s leading international financial institutions.
A New Era in International Banking Practices: Implications for the GCC Markets aims to provide a platform for participants to discuss the most pertinent challenges currently affecting the GCC financial markets, in addition to opportunities for growth, and to discuss overall industry trends within the global economy.
Mr. Rasheed Al Maraj, Governor of the CBB welcomed the 9th GCC Banking Conference to Bahrain for the second time since it was first hosted by the Kingdom in 1996 saying, “We are delighted to be hosting this  Conference—especially at such a difficult time for the world markets.”
 “Sh. Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Head of the Organizing Committee, and Executive Director of Banking Operations, CBB added that, “While  this Conference will discuss salient issues facing financial markets, and ensure the GCC’s economic stability and prosperity, discussions will also aim to highlight distinct advantages for the GCC markets in the context of global market conditions.”
The conference will be divided into 5 plenary sessions over a two day period and will conclude with a regional Governors meeting on the final day of the conference. Further details on the sessions will be announced at a later date.
For further information on participation or sponsorship of the 9th GCC Banking Conference, please contact the Conference Managers: Eventscom – Bahrain [T]+973-17226775 [F]+973-17226698 or visit www.gcc-bc.com  .