Bahrain to host Middle East Insurance Forum2017

Manama, Jan. 31 (BNA): The 13th Annual Middle East Insurance Forum (MEIF 2017), the region’s largest and longest running industry event, today announced Khalid Al Romaihi, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), as the main speaker at the upcoming forum under the patronage of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) on the February 20-21. Al Romaihi’s participation, who will address participants at MEIF’s opening session, comes as part of the EDB’s support sectors with the biggest contributions to the growth in Bahrain’s economy such as the financial services. The EDB has identified a number of key sectors where Bahrain provides particular competitive advantages to investors. Included is the Financial services industry, where Bahrain’s history as a financial hub with a mature single regulator means that investors are able to benefit from the over forty years of experience accumulated in the Kingdom. The FS sector is now the second largest contributor to the GDP of Bahrain and the Kingdom plays host to a number of leading institutions in the field. Al Romaihi said, "Bahrain is proud to host the Middle East Insurance Forum, an event which further highlights Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for knowledge sharing and thought leadership in the financial services sector. I am looking forward to speaking at the event and exchanging ideas with other industry leaders." The forum is expected to attract participation from more than 400 global and regional Insurance and Takaful leaders and experts. This includes high level dignitaries, central bank representatives, economists, thought leaders, researchers and academics. Over the course of the two day event, expert industry speakers and panelists will also discuss a range of topics to include: * Industry consolidation through mergers and acquisitions * The role of insurance companies in current Health Services reforms * Financial technology development in the insurance industry * Challenges facing the Takaful industry * The implication of the introduction of VAT in the regional markets Other highlights of MEIF 2017 will be a ceremony honouring the "Best Insurance Company in the MENA Region". In partnership with the CBB, the forum will recognize extraordinary achievements in the industry by awarding the prestigious prize to the most outstanding regional insurer for the past year. Nominations are now open to all insurance players servicing the GCC, MENA and Levant regions and with minimum banking assets of USD15 million. Submissions will be accepted until 5 February 2017. The Forum is being held with the support and cooperation of industry leaders. This includes Braxtone Insurance Management as Lead Sponsor, Silver Sponsor Solidarity and Bronze Sponsors Ta’zur, SNIC and GIG. Also supporting the development of MEIF 2017 through knowledge sharing and technical cooperation is The Bahrain Insurance Association (BIA), the industry body in the Kingdom tasked with helping to promote the growth and development of the local and regional insurance industry and an advocate on behalf of local insurers. To find out more about how to nominate your company for the MIEF Award or how to register or sponsor, please visit www.meifbahrain.com or contact FinMark Communications on meif@finmarkcoms.com or +973 17749759.