Gargash opens Conference on Partnership, Development and Investment in Guinea

Guinea: Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, on Sunday opened the Conference on Partnership, Development and Investment in the Republic of Guinea, in the presence of President Alpha Conde of Guinea, senior UAE ministers and officials and representatives of regional and international organisations. In his opening remarks, Minister Gargash affirmed the UAE's strong belief in the need for enhanced bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation between the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere to enhance efforts being made at the conference to boost investments in Guinea. He noted that cooperation between the UAE and Guinea is aimed at creating attractive opportunities within the framework of an economy that is dynamic, diverse and sustainable. He also affirmed that the UAE backs the efforts by the international community to create a development programme for Guinea beyond 2015, based on the recognition of the importance of commitment to the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Minister Gargash also noted that trade between the UAE and Guinea grew from US37 million to US$180 million between 2008 and 2012. Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has contributed US$90 million to Guinea's energy and agricultural sectors. On his part, President Alpha Conde of Guinea, in his speech, thanked the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for hosting the conference which represents a new launch point for the relations between the UAE and Guinea, and between the GCC region and West Africa. President Conde noted that Guinea has already started ambitious plans in sectors such as education, healthcare and economy, with a focus on mining, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, based on a partnership between the public and private sectors aimed at establishing long-term growth in the country. Jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and supported by the UN, the World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and African Union (AU), the two-day event seeks to open new avenues of economic, investment and developmental cooperation between Guinea and its prospective partners and investors, and companies wishing to seize investment opportunities in the West African country. The conference is also aimed at stimulating economic growth in Guinea and present what it can offer to investors in diverse vital sectors. The event will serve as a platform for many donors to extend development and economic assistance to Guinea. President Alpha Conde of Guinea, representatives of the UN Secretary General, AU and Economic Community Of West African States will be the keynote speaker along with other speakers from Guinea, UAE and other partners and investors. – Emirates News Agency, WAM