More than 300 industry leaders are taking part in the two-day 5th Annual Middle East Insurance Forum (MEIF 2009), which opened in Bahrain today (February 8).

The forum, at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel,  is being held in partnership with the Central Bank of Bahrain and with the support of the Bahrain Insurance Association.

The participants are debating the core issues that will shape the future of the Middle East insurance industry, said a spokesman.

Additional discussions focus on the role of regulators in further strengthening this market and the future outlook for industry growth.  Key global and regional trends have been under the spotlight in view of the current global economic crisis.

The high-profile speakers at the MEIF 2009 are also tackling the challenges of current low insurance penetration levels in the Middle East as well as competition and consolidation in the regional industry and the scope for mergers and acquisitions to strengthen capabilities.

Other industry issues being explored include innovation and development in key products and market segments, the role and opportunity for captive management, reinsurance capabilities in the Middle East and the role of process efficiency and technology innovation in delivering superior growth. –TradeArabia News Service