Bahrain's economic performance and strategy will be put under scrutiny as the annual Euromoney Bahrain conference kick off in Manama today (March 5).

The event, co-hosted by the Economic Development Board (EDB), will analyse the short and medium term prospects for the kingdom, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication..

"Once again, key economic opinion formers will bring their analytic microscope to Bahrain, for Euromoney's annual conference focused on the kingdom," said Euromoney regional director Richard Banks.

"We will seek a variety of opinions from both government and private sectors in order to evaluate the likely course of the kingdom in these challenging times, and to discuss whether its strong economic performance last year is likely to continue," stated Banks.

The importance of Bahrain's economy and financial sector - not just to Bahrainis but to the wider region - is demonstrated by the attendance of international participants such as former UN deputy secretary general Lord Malloch-Brown.

"The long-term potential of the Gulf market will continue to draw in businesses and investors, which should help to push countries to more open economic policies," said EDB acting chief executive Kamal Ahmed.

"One of Bahrain's main challenges and opportunities will be to enable investors to use the country as a springboard for servicing the Gulf region and beyond," remarked Ahmed.

"As we continue to drive forward our economic growth and diversification strategy, we look forward to welcoming key international commentators, as well as a host of important individuals from the public and private sectors in Bahrain, to the event this week," he added.

Now in its second year, the Euromoney Bahrain conference returns not only to continue discussions on macroeconomic picture, but also the wealth management and private banking industry in Bahrain and the GCC, and the wider role of the financial sector in Bahrain's economic development.

With nearly 20 per cent of Bahrainis employed in the financial sector, its health and development are vital to the continuing economic prosperity of the kingdom.

The event will evaluate the vision and outlook for financial services in Bahrain given the pressure the sector is under regionally and globally.

Today will be dedicated to high-level local and international speakers and will focus on Bahrain's macroeconomic strategy and public finances, the development of the financial sector, the financing of the country's infrastructure needs and the progress of capital markets.

Tomorrow, the event will focus of wealth management and private banking sectors.-TradeArabia News Service