Kamal Bin Ahmed makes case for inclusive economic development at Davos

Speaking at a panel session during the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meetings at Davos, Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive, Economic Development Board (EDB), made the case that economic stability is one of the key factors in long term regional stability and the development of more tolerant, pluralistic and open societies.He stated that "the private sector is the main engine of growth" and that "it is the role of responsible government to ensure the right environment is there for the private sector to grow". Kamal bin Ahmed also commented that "It is economic development that fundamentally leads to greater long term stability" and added that sustainable economic growth would lead to healthy job creation which will offer greater opportunities, and over the long-term, more regional stability.His comments came during a panel session titled "The Arab World Context: What challenges and transformations are shaping the leadership context in the Arab world?" The session brought together policymakers from across the Arab world to address some of the most important issues that the region is facing, from putting transitions on a stable and inclusive track to ensuring employment for youth to fostering cross-regional collaboration.The other participants on the panel were:Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, United Arab EmiratesRola A. Dashti, Minister of Planning, Development and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs of KuwaitAhmed Galal, Minister of Finance of EgyptRowsch N. Shaways, Deputy Prime Minister of IraqThe global summit runs from 22-25 January and has as its theme this year ‘The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Society, Politics and Business.’The other members of the Bahrain delegation attending the World Economic Forum are:Rasheed Al Maraj, Governor, Central Bank of BahrainJamal Fakhro, Member of the Shura Council and Executive Partner, KPMGMahmood Al-Kooheji, CEO, MumtalakatNajla Al Shirawi, COO, SICONabeel Kanoo, Deputy Executive General Manager, Kanoo TravelRima Al Kilani, Director, Global Marketing, EDB