Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” sponsored “Infrastructure Investment – Kuwait 2012” conference which took place on 26-27 of March 2012 in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kuwait City.
His Excellency Dr. Fadhel Safar, Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works and Municipalities and Minister of Public Works delivered the opening speech to the conference, which provided an overview of Kuwait’s current infrastructure development. It also addressed several issues such as evaluating mega projects in Kuwait and how the Ministry of Public Works is gearing toward the Kuwait Development Plan; and attracting international and local investment to deliver best practice in Public Private Partnerships (PPP) projects.
Mr. Raghu Mandagolathur, Head of Research at “Markaz, also delivered a presentation highlighting the results of “Markaz” latest research on GCC infrastructure. “High oil prices have given the GCC increased spending power. As surpluses grow, mega projects will be launched through large-scale development plans,” noted Mr. Raghu.
“A wave of regulatory developments and changes is aimed at drawing increased foreign investor interest through various PPP programs such as IPPs, IWPPs, BOT and its derivatives etc,” he added, while noting that GCC has a fast-growing population. “In nearly all sectors, there is dire need for further development, if only, to cater to existing demand. Hence, there is a major incentive to increase investments and developments to try and keep ahead of consumption levels.”
Among key topics being discussed during the conference are the challenges that the government faces in delivering successful PPPs, and enhancing social infrastructure to stimulate economic growth.
Ms. Basma Ghareeb, Acting Vice President - Media & Communications at Markaz, said “Markaz sponsorship of this conference reflects our keenness on actively participating in the development of Kuwait and its infrastructure. We believe that the high caliber speakers will provide valuable insight to the industry.”
Ms. Ghareeb added “Markaz has already been contributing to the infrastructure investment sector through its subsidiary, Marmore MENA Intelligence Private Limited which was established in 2010. Marmore offers full-fledged financial research and analysis of MENA economies, markets and companies, and has launched in 2011 GCC Infrastructure Report, which cover custom services, GCC Roads and Rail Roads, GCC Water, GCC Power, GCC Electricity, GCC Seaport, GCC Asset Management, and GCC Information and Communications Technology.”
Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. 'Markaz', with total assets under management of over KD865 million (USD 3.1 billion) as of December 30, 2011, was established in 1974 has become one of the leading asset management and investment banking institutions in the Arabian Gulf Region. Markaz was listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) in 1997.
Photo Caption: Mr. Raghu Mandagolathur, Head of Research at “Markaz