EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and an investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), in collaboration with the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), officially inaugurated the 18th annual EFG Hermes One-on-One Conference on Monday. One of the world’s largest investment forums dedicated to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the event will continue until March 7.
Exploring the depth of FEM
This year’s EFG Hermes conference centers around the theme ‘Exploring the Depth of Frontier Emerging Markets (FEM)’. It takes a deep dive into the inherent potential of the region and offers insights and networking opportunities for participants. With a focus on fostering dialogue and collaboration between global investors and listed companies in MENA, the conference aims to uncover promising investment opportunities while addressing key challenges. This year’s gathering will see over 216 companies in numerous key sectors across 29 countries hold direct meetings with over 670 institutional investors and fund managers representing 250 international institutions.
Commenting on the conference’s launch, Karim Awad, group CEO of EFG Holding, said: “Partnering with the DFM further supports our mission, which is centered on our commitment to promoting investment opportunities in MENA markets and fostering impactful discussions that drive positive change.”
Navigating economic challenges
In 2023, economic performance across the MENA region faced multiple challenges, exacerbated by global headwinds, domestic obstacles, and geopolitical tensions. Lower oil production and stringent policy measures in emerging markets slowed growth to 2 percent.
Looking ahead to 2024, the region’s outlook remains uncertain, with growth forecasts at 2.9 percent due to ongoing complexities. To navigate this landscape, EFG Hermes emphasizes that the MENA region needs structural reforms for both short-term growth and long-term resilience. Moreover, there is a critical necessity for efforts to support economic vitality and defend against future challenges.
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Propelling mutual success
For his part, Mohamed Ebeid, Co-CEO of EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding Company, commented: “The One-on-One conference always serves as the ultimate one-stop shop for investors to gain access to the region’s most compelling companies. By fostering direct interactions and relationships, we facilitate a seamless exchange of ideas and opportunities, propelling both investors and companies towards mutual success.”
Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking sessions covering various topics pertinent to MENA. From investment trends to regulatory developments, the conference offers valuable insights to navigate the dynamic markets successfully, reaffirming EFG Hermes’ commitment to fostering investment opportunities in the region.
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