The Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), one of the top ten leading global financial centers in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, has announced its intention to host the region's premier regional financial sector conference at the Dubai Exhibition Center during Expo 2020 Dubai between 20 October 2020 and 10 April 2021.
The two-day event, organized by the Financial Center, entitled "The Future of the Financial Sector", brings together the world's leading leaders and economic commentators, as well as a wide range of global and local change makers alike. Addressing the latest trends in the financial sector, the conference will unveil business growth opportunities in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and will address a number of strategies to take advantage of the region's untapped economic opportunities.
The conference will showcase the promising future represented by Dubai and the DIFC as a springboard for growth in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. The region of 72 countries, home to nearly 3 billion people with a nominal GDP of US $ 7.7 trillion, is witnessing an unprecedented increase in its economic attractiveness, especially in light of its continued growth rates. With 70% of the region's population having limited or no access to financial services, the event will offer further opportunities for collaboration among specialist experts to provide solutions to their financial challenges.
In line with Expo 2020 Dubai's flagship theme, “Connecting Minds and Making the Future,” the two-day conference will focus on topics including the Dubai government's innovation agenda, the latest developments in the economic sector and the DIFC's vision to redefine the financial landscape. In addition, the event highlights the Centre's role in the transformation of the financial landscape in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, as well as fostering creativity, collaboration and innovation.
The Future of the Financial Sector conference will also host a host of economists, policy makers, regulatory representatives, delegates from leading global and regional banks, insurance industry leaders, asset and wealth management institutions, private equity firms and family offices. On the other hand, the conference dedicated space for leading Islamic financial services experts and charity speakers, as well as pioneers in financial technology and startups, to provide them with opportunities to collaborate together to shape the future of the financial sector and promote sustainable growth.
The conference will also provide an overview of the development of the DIFC by presenting the progressive stages of the expansion plan of the DIFC. This multi-phased plan will achieve a threefold increase in the financial presence of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, as well as its role in the future of the financial sector.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Authority, said: `` This milestone conference, which is scheduled to take place during Expo 2020, is an important achievement and part of our ongoing journey to shape the future of the financial sector in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and the world at large. The region is one of the fastest growing markets in the world, contributing to an unprecedented increase in attractiveness, particularly given its strong growth and the significant investment opportunities it represents, and there is a very close relationship between innovation and growth. Economic growth in the region, particularly in light of its new value propositions that have attracted new global investments and diversified opportunities. ”
Najib Mohammed Al Ali, Executive Director, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “We are delighted to host the Future Finance Conference, organized by the DIFC, at the Dubai Exhibition Center at Expo 2020 Dubai. Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first international Expo in the Middle East and Africa. The DIFC will focus on innovation in a very important sector, to create new opportunities and prosperity for millions of people.