Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Development Bank participates in the first Arab Forum for Banks and Businessmen and receives the award for the most distinguished banking businessman

Friday, August 4, 2023, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Organized by the Union of Arab Banks and under the patronage of the Lebanese Minister of Economy, Mr. Amin Salam, the first Arab Forum for Banks and Businessmen was held yesterday in the capital, Beirut.

This forum comes as a promising initiative that brings together the most important economic sectors and businessmen in a single crucible of cooperation that illuminates the path of Arab economic development and growth. The forum witnessed the holding of several dialogue sessions that addressed several axes, including directing Arab financial surpluses to enhance Arab food security, the challenges of adapting to the digital transformation with financial products and services, the financing gap and the needs of economic business sectors.

In this regard, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Development Bank, Mr. Ziad Khalaf, delivered a speech in which he opened by highlighting the turning points and launching cooperation to enhance sustainable development and economic growth. Ziad Khalaf added: "The first steps of real transformation are our belief in the need today, more than ever, for a greater role for banks in financing small and innovative projects to enhance economic stability and improve the quality of life.

To start, we must establish the idea that the power of development comes from the power of banks and that achieving sustainable development depends on the ability of banks to provide the necessary financial support for promising projects and initiatives." Mr. Ziad Khalaf also touched on the importance of reviewing the current government policies to enhance financing in the region and stimulate investments, where he praised the success of the United Arab Emirates and its adoption of a clear vision in this regard and called for the need to draw inspiration and benefit from the Emirati experience and generalize it to various Arab countries with the aim of achieving an economic and banking renaissance.

In appreciation of his tireless efforts in strengthening relations between the banking and business sectors, the organizers of the forum honored Mr. Ziad Khalaf by granting him the "Most Distinguished Banking Businessman in the World of Finance and Business" award in the presence of a crowd of senior bankers and international regulatory figures from regional international institutions. The forum received positive feedback due to the presence and participation of Arab experts, investors, economists and bankers, who were united by a common desire to cooperate and integrate in various economic fields. By providing a platform for dialogue and exchange, the forum provided an opportunity to present and explore policies, services and opportunities that could enhance the achievement of this goal.