The Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM) today commenced its annual conference under the esteemed patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), who officially opened the event.
Taking place over two days at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Doha, the conference has drawn approximately 250 delegates representing a spectrum of entities integral to the Arab financial landscape. Among the participants are delegates from member Arab stock exchanges, accredited brokerage firms, settlement and clearing companies, asset management institutions, governmental financial bodies, central banks, investment banks, regulatory authorities, financial market data providers, regional federations, and research centers.
In his opening address, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani welcomed AFCM officials and the diverse array of delegates. He emphasized the imperative for collaboration among Arab financial market institutions to fortify the investment environment and promote integration. Highlighting the significance of technological localization, he advocated for the leveraging of resources to enhance infrastructure and technology across institutions.
Moreover, he underscored the interconnectedness of global economies and geopolitical shifts, urging Arab capital markets to forge partnership bridges and exchange experiences and ideas amidst international conditions marked by strong blocs and regional disturbances.
H.E. expressed optimism that the conference would shed light on pivotal topics supporting the AFCM’s aspirations and its members. He stressed the importance of cultivating an advanced investment and financial environment conducive to facilitating transactions in regional and international financial markets.
The conference also featured a speech by His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, who expressed gratitude to the Qatar Stock Exchange for hosting the event. He acknowledged the conference as a platform for enhancing cooperation among Arab financial markets and emphasized the importance of its agenda, particularly focusing on sustainability, investor relations, Islamic finance, financial technology, digital assets, and the latest applications of artificial intelligence in financial markets.
Mr. Abdulaziz Nasser Al-Emadi, the newly appointed President of the Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM) and Acting CEO of Qatar Stock Exchange, delivered a keynote address during the inauguration of the AFCM Annual Conference in Doha. In his address, Mr. Al-Emadi expressed his gratitude to the Arab delegations in attendance. He underscored the significance of this year's conference, emphasizing its focus on addressing the opportunities and challenges confronting Arab capital markets. He highlighted the pivotal role of collaboration in fostering a conducive environment for investment and integration within the Arab financial landscape. Mr. Al-Emadi reaffirmed Qatar Stock Exchange's commitment to working closely with AFCM members to advance the Union's objectives, aligning with the collective aspirations of its constituents. He emphasized the pivotal role of exchanges in elevating the capabilities of Arab capital markets, pledging concerted efforts towards their development and growth.
The conference agenda comprises nine dialogue sessions over two days, focusing on critical topics relevant to the securities industry and the role of financial markets in its enhancement. These include digital transformations, sustainability of regional economies, shortening settlement periods, investor relations, Islamic finance, international sustainability standards, digital assets, and the integration of precious metals in investment portfolios.
On the sidelines of the conference, two agreements have been signed between the AFCM and both the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the African Securities Exchanges Association.
