Why finance heads more than ever before hold the key to economic recovery

Dubai, August 2 2012 Since the onset of the global economic recession in 2008, the role of finance heads in the Middle East has become even more critical. Everyone from the CEO to junior members of staff needs their expertise to be able to cope with volatility on both micro and macro-economic levels. And given recent mixed growth expectations in the region, input from CFOs will continue to be influential to an organisations success. Although manufacturing and technology sectors are predicting growth figures for Q3 of 15%, the financial services sector declined sharply from 16.2% to 6.3%. To achieve continued growth, companies are primarily focusing their efforts on existing markets, with only 18% of their time spent pursuing new markets. Other priorities include reducing direct and indirect costs, fixed asset efficiency and working capital. With many companies taking as much cost as they can out of their business without actually destroying value, theyre now looking to grow their top line. And in an environment where developed markets are unlikely to grow significantly over the next few years, a shifting allocation of resources to rapid-growth markets is becoming a strategic necessity for organisations in the MENA region.
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Which is why up to 100 of the Middle Easts top CFOs are attending the 6 Annual CFO Strategies Forum Middle th th East on October 10 and 11 at Atlantis The Palm hotel and resort in Dubai. All will have the opportunity to discuss their most pressing issues and share best practices for navigating through the current economic climate. The two-day platform is the brainchild of French business information group naseba, and its new format features 8 strategic business workshops led by industry experts addressing subjects such as effective project financing, enterprise risk management and financial restructuring. Sophie Le Ray, Chief Executive Officer at naseba highlighted: This forum is bringing together some of the most respected CFOs in the region. With the ongoing Eurozone crisis, emerging markets in the MENA region hold great

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potential; this is why our new format incorporates knowledge-sharing, discussions and networking opportunities so attendees can learn, share and apply tried and tested growth strategies. -ENDFor media information, please contact: Deepti Kadam, Marketing Manager Tel: +971 4367 1383 | Email: deeptik@naseba.com for more information: visit www.cfomideast.com ABOUT naseba naseba produces, promotes and hosts business summits, professional training courses and business exhibitions targeting executive level attendees across multiple industries. Each event is focused on re-education, networking and creating a deal-flow platform for all participating organisations. Whether it is raising capital, expanding to a new market, vendor sales contracts or sourcing a strategic partner, naseba facilitates and supports clients business development. Our team of experts conducts extensive research in conjunction with recognised thought leaders to ensure that all events are relevant, timely and at the forefront of market and industry trends. naseba collaborates with leading media, industry and local authorities, such as International Data Corporation (IDC), International Business Consultancy Group (IBCG), Saudi Trading and Resources Co. Ltd. (STAR Group Holdings), HIL International Lawyers & Advisers (HIL), International Herald Tribune, CNBC Arabia, Zawya, Council of Saudi Chambers, Asharqia Chamber, Abu Dhabi Health Authority, Ministry of Health UAE, Ministry of Economy UAE, Ministry of Environment and Water UAE, Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning Qatar, Privatization and Investment Board (PIB) Libya, Principality of Monaco, Singapore Tourism Board, Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad, Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia and many others. Since its inception in France in 2002, naseba has organised over 400 events and played host to 58,000 executive delegates globally. Operating from four strategically located offices, naseba has on-the-ground presence in Monaco, Cairo, Riyadh, Dubai, Bangalore and Kuala Lumpur. At naseba, we make it happen. For more information on naseba, please visit www.naseba.com.