H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Qatar Stock Exchange, Inaugurates the AFCM Annual Conference

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Qatar Stock Exchange, Inaugurates the AFCM Annual Conference

The Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM) today commenced its annual conference under the esteemed patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), who officially opened the event.

Taking place over two days at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Doha, the conference has drawn approximately 250 delegates representing a spectrum of entities integral to the Arab financial landscape. Among the participants are delegates from member Arab stock exchanges, accredited brokerage firms, settlement and clearing companies, asset management institutions, governmental financial bodies, central banks, investment banks, regulatory authorities, financial market data providers, regional federations, and research centers.

In his opening address, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani welcomed AFCM officials and the diverse array of delegates. He emphasized the imperative for collaboration among Arab financial market institutions to fortify the investment environment and promote integration. Highlighting the significance of technological localization, he advocated for the leveraging of resources to enhance infrastructure and technology across institutions.

Moreover, he underscored the interconnectedness of global economies and geopolitical shifts, urging Arab capital markets to forge partnership bridges and exchange experiences and ideas amidst international conditions marked by strong blocs and regional disturbances.

H.E. expressed optimism that the conference would shed light on pivotal topics supporting the AFCM's aspirations and its members. He stressed the importance of cultivating an advanced investment and financial environment conducive to facilitating transactions in regional and international financial markets.

Mr. Abdulaziz Nasser Al Emadi, Acting CEO of Qatar Stock Exchange and newly appointed president of the AFCM, delivered a speech expressing appreciation to all Arab delegations for their active participation. He highlighted the importance of building upon previous discussions and initiating new dialogues to comprehensively address shared interests.

Mr. Al Emadi emphasized that this year's conference aims to explore opportunities and challenges facing Arab capital markets, contributing to the development of the securities industry in Arab countries. He cited positive developments and initiatives in legislative and operational aspects that have significantly enhanced the attractiveness of Arab markets to international institutional investors, stressing the importance of sustaining success in the future.

Additionally, Mr. Al Emadi underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to create a conducive environment for integration and investment. Leveraging partnership-based cooperation, knowledge exchange, and fostering collaboration among member exchanges are crucial for attracting international capital to the region, characterized by notable economic growth and significant government and private projects.

The conference also featured a speech by His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, who expressed gratitude to the Qatar Stock Exchange for hosting the event. He acknowledged the conference as a platform for enhancing cooperation among Arab financial markets and emphasized the importance of its agenda, particularly focusing on sustainability, investor relations, Islamic finance, financial technology, digital assets, and the latest applications of artificial intelligence in financial markets.

The conference agenda comprises nine dialogue sessions over two days, focusing on critical topics relevant to the securities industry and the role of financial markets in its enhancement. These include digital transformations, sustainability of regional economies, shortening settlement periods, investor relations, Islamic finance, international sustainability standards, digital assets, and the integration of precious metals in investment portfolios.

On the sidelines of the conference, agreements will be signed between the AFCM and both the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the African Securities Exchanges Association.