Mediterranean Development Forum in Cairo

The Third Mediterranean forum for development opened doors in Cairo Monday under the topic "voices of change, partners for prosperity."

The three-day forum will debate the development and economic integration challenges thrown at the region, economy globalization, and means to upgrade competitiveness and encourage investment flows.

The role of banks in reactivating economy and the job market and in financing the development process will also be tackled.

Opening the encounter, Egypt's First Lady Suzanne Mubarak called on Mediterranean countries to contribute to world economic prosperity through a closer cooperation between governments, private sector and NGOs.

Jordan's First Lady Queen Rania stressed the need to give priority to education and underlined that struggle against poverty requires global economic policies.

For his part, Moroccan minister in charge of the government's general affairs, Ahmed Lahlimi, said in a speech on behalf of Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi increasing competition compels the states to play the role of legislator to encourage initiative, production and promote employment.

The Mediterranean forum was set up in 1995 to promote partnership and circulation of knowledge in the Middle East, North Africa region.

The first and second fora were held in the Moroccan central city of Marrakesh in 1997 and 1998.