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transparency, when debt stocks increase due to below-the-line spending. For oil exporters, the

challenge is one of economic and fiscal-revenue diversification. This is because of the structural

change in global oil markets and the rising demand for renewable sources of energy.”

In the first panel discussion, ‘Economic Frontiers: Navigating the Global Landscape in 2024 and

Beyond,’ speakers included Dr Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030

Agenda for Sustainable Development and Executive Director, International Monetary Fund; Chris

Williamson, Chief Business Economist at Standard & Poor's Markets Intelligence; and Andrew
Torre, Regional President of Visa for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa

region. The session was moderated by Ziad Daoud, chief emerging markets economist,

Bloomberg Economics, and highlighted the importance of strategic economic diversification,

innovation ecosystems and the role of foreign investments. It also discussed emerging industries,

investment opportunities, and the role of the Middle East in the rapidly evolving international

business environment.

In panel two, ‘MENA Economic Outlook: Adapting to New Global Realities,’ Dr Hala Elsaid,

Minister of Planning and Economic Development of Egypt, Roberta Gatti, who attended virtually,

Chief Economist for the MENA region at the World Bank and Dr. Nasser Saidi, President and
Founder Nasser Saidi & Associates Former DIFC Chief Economist, Economic Adviser &

Consultant, focused on how geopolitical shifts affect regional economies, including Middle East

conflicts, the Red Sea's strategic importance and changes within BRICS countries. They analyzed

economic policies' impact on stability and growth, offering insights for exploring this evolving

landscape. The session was moderated by Dr. Rawaa Harati, Founder & CEO, KINZ consultancy.

The ‘Digital Frontiers in Finance: Exploring Tomorrow’s Financial Services Landscape,’ panel

examined accelerating digital transformation, embracing fintech innovations and navigating

regulatory challenges. Speakers included Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of FSRA at ADGM, Rola Abu

Manneh, CEO of Standard Chartered UAE, Middle East, and Pakistan, Damian Hitchen, CEO of

Saxo Bank MENA, and the moderator Jean Abou Assi, Partner leading digital financial services at

https://gulfnews.com/business/corporate-news/economy-middle-east-summit-2024-highlights-
economic-growth-prospects-of-mena-region-1.1714745695048