MENA conference opens in Doha tommorow
Regional-Qatar, Economics, 11/15/1997

"No parking", "road closed", "no access", "police checkpoint" and many
other signs are to be seen all around Qatar's capital Doha less than 12 hours before the opening of the three-day fourth Middle East and North Africa economic conference (MENA).

Suddenly, the city of Doha seems to have more security agents
circulating around than ordinary people. Checkpoints are very frequent at roundabouts and crossroads. The area where the conference will be held has been sealed and only authorized persons with special badges are allowed into that area and only on foot. Special cars and buses are used under strict surveillance for transport inside the area of the conference which is envelops the Qatar International Exhibition Center and Doha Sheraton Hotel.

The total number of participating countries is 61 states from all continents. Only seven Arab States are attending: Jordan, Yemen, Kuwait, Oman, Tunisia, Mauritania and Comoros. All members of delegations of those countries are expected to arrive by tonight or latest early morning tomorrow. Members of Yemeni delegation have been seen at the registration desk this afternoon.

The opening plenary session on Sunday, chaired by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar and addressed by Madeleine Albright, the US Secretary of State, will examine a vision of the MENA region for the 21st century.

The Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF), which is organizing the conference, had to close down registration last night after the target of 800 participations was reached by yesterday morning. Very few cancellations have been received at the last minute and most of the last registrations came from businessmen from the surrounding region.

WEF said that the conference will gather around 2,000 participants and is expected to focus strongly on the economics of the region and the opportunities for growth and integration . The conference will bring together 500 officials from 66 countries worldwide. 15 regional organizations will be represented at the senior level and will be joined by 150 press and 100 media leaders. The conference will see 200 speakers across 40 sessions.

Gregory Blatt, director and member of the Executive Board of WEF, said he was very happy to see as many participations being registered and confirmed. He noted that MENA conference was primarily an economic conference and that it will be beneficial to all participating countries regardless of the political situation.

While Israel is participating with a 35-member delegation led by Minister of Commerce and Industry Nathan Sharansky, Jordan is participating with a bigger delegation. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt were among the most important countries to have declared they boycotted the conference because of the the Israeli participation.

Qatar reaffirmed that its ties with countries which have chosen not to attend Doha MENA conference were based on deeper issues than the conference alone and that it intends to maintain good relations with all Arab countries in the future.

The number of sponsor companies reached 540 exceeding previous MENA conferences and contributions netted in over $3 million.

The United States is participating with a very important delegation led by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Canada and most European countries are among the participating countries with important delegations as well as a high number of South Asian countries and a number of South American countries. South Africa is the only State participating from the African continent and both Australia and New Zealand are present.

Preparations for the high-profile event were over yesterday and many floating hotels chartered to accommodate the delegates can be seen at the Doha Port. A three-day exhibition titled MENA conference exhibition is being held at the Qatar International Exhibition Center.

Previous Stories:
  Levy puzzled by Qatari foreign minister's remarks   (11/14/1997)
  Palestinian private sector boycotts Doha   (11/13/1997)
  Talks to resume. Israel warns against MENA expectations   (11/7/1997)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search