EFG Hermes, one of the Middle East’s largest investment banks, kicked off its annual One-on-One conference in Dubai on Monday, gathering senior managers from 107 companies across the Middle East and North Africa, with 450 investors from 200 global institutions managing assets worth over US$10 trillion.
The conference is held under the patronage of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the group said in its statement, labeling the three-day gathering as “the most highly anticipated annual platform for key global equity investors, high-level executives and industry
professionals.”
“This year’s One-on-One holds true to the statement of being the largest MENA-focused investment conference held regionally,” said EFG Hermes Chief Executive Officer Karim Awad. “We are exceptionally pleased with the level of turn-out from regional and international institutions, government officials and MENA companies operating in a wide spectrum of industries. We look forward to the uniquely engaging one-on-one format discussions and the investment opportunities that will arise.”
Conference attendees represent various sectors, including financial services, energy, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, telecommunications services, healthcare, industrials, utilities, materials, and real estate and hospitality, the statement mentioned.
The company noted that 2015 would be a remarkable year for it in Egypt in terms if IPOs, despite tightening global liquidity and falling oil prices.
“This year’s One-on-One will also provide attendees with insight on Egypt-based opportunities as the Sharm el-Sheikh economic conference approaches,” Awad noted. “EFG Hermes is engaged in partnership with the Government of Egypt and other private sector participants to help drive economic growth with the EEDC serving as the first stepping stone in rebuilding investor confidence, and where a roster of investment opportunities will be marketed at Sharm el-Sheikh and beyond signaling that Egypt is once again open for business.”
