Manama: The upcoming Global Islamic Investment Gateway (GIIG) in Manama will help consolidate Bahrain’s standing as a leading innovator in Islamic finance always open to exploring new ideas, according to Dr. Jarmo Kotilaine, Chief Economist at the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB).
With more than 700 delegates now confirmed, the event will unveil a new online tracker which will connect investment capital from the GCC with fast-expanding markets in OIC countries across the world. The new Investment Monitor has already been the catalyst for creating a pipeline of around 100 potential new deals.
“The global investment portal is yet another example of new thinking on Islamic finance and it is appropriate that is being launched in Bahrain which has been at the forefront of innovation in Islamic Finance for decades,” said Dr. Kotilaine.
“Bahrain is the longest established hub for Islamic finance and we are proud to welcome this pioneering event to the Kingdom.”
The conference, which is being held at the Gulf Hotel on 2-3 March, is set to bring together some of the largest investors in the region to examine potential opportunities within OIC markets – a group of economies that is expected to see annual growth at an average rate of 5.4% in the next five years, significantly higher than the global average.
“We know that from the strong growth figures in these markets that there are significant opportunities in a range of areas. However, we also know that for many investors, the challenge will be in finding ways to access these markets, many of which will be relatively early in their development,” Dr. Kotilaine, added.
”This conference will launch the Investment Monitor which is an innovative way to link viable projects that need investment with senior level investors who have significant capital looking for opportunities that are at an advanced stage.”
The Global Islamic Investment Gateway is being organised by the Bahrain EDB, Thomson Reuters, and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).