Abu-Ghazaleh discussed the outcome of the Arab Competitiveness Meeting 2002 during the “Knowledge Development” Conference organized by World Bank (MNA) Region & the World Bank Institute.

Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. International, discussed the outcome of the Arab Competitiveness Meeting 2002 organized by the World Economic Forum during the last conveyed conference organized by World Bank Middle East and North Africa (MNA)Region and the World Bank Institute on “Knowledge Development”. Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh delivered a speech as the official dinner keynote speaker. The Conference is organized in partnership with the Institut de la Méditerranée and the City of Marseilles.

The conference aimed at enhancing knowledge-based development strategies in MNA countries. Against the background of the on-going knowledge and information revolution, the conference discussed opportunities and issues faced by MNA governments, relevant policies and potential support by the international community.

Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh’s speech tackled the outcome of the Arab Competitiveness Meeting, key viewpoints of the Arab leaders, outcome of the Arab Identity discussion and the conclusions on the competitiveness of the Arab Countries. He stressed on the current prospects for IT development in the Middle East, obstacles faced and the Middle East Governments role in improving the current business and innovation climate.

Among the issues discussed during the conference were the need to Boost the rate of economic growth which has significantly slowed down in the last decade ;Create jobs at a time of increasing unemployment and a daunting demographic challenge leading to large numbers of youth entering labor markets; Reduce poverty, which has been on the rise over the last decade with worrisome socio-economic implications; and Cope with environmental pressures, notably in relation to water and drought issues.