The Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) is arranging a roundtable discussion on project and infrastructure finance for its members.

It has assembled a lineup of experts to share their thoughts on the sector. The roundtable, to be held at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa on Monday comes at a time when the Bahraini government and GCC governments in general, are committed to spending billions of dollars on Public Private Partnerships (PPP) finance initiatives.

In Bahrain's case, this has been boosted by the GCC $1 billion a year funding announced recently, which will offer exciting opportunities to banks and other financial institutions operating in the country.

'We will assemble seven speakers to give brief presentations on their particular area of expertise, from the government and regulatory side, analysis of completed projects and possible areas where PF and PPP can be utilised in Bahrain and the wider GCC,' said BAB chief executive officer Robert Ainey.

'It will also examine what the obstacles are for local banks getting involved in projects such as lack of critical mass, aversion to long-term risk horizons and investing in projects at different stages.'

The roundtable will cover the whole cycle of PPP from origination, financing and investment in housing and other infrastructure projects. A question and answer session of around 50 to 70 guests will also be held.-TradeArabia News Service