Saudi Arabia's top ministers are gathering on May 7-8 in Riyadh for the eighth Euromoney conference focused on sustaining public finances in the Kingdom. While prospects for the Kingdom's economy look very good in the medium term – Euromoney's two-day event will question whether the current model needs to change. Might a different approach minimize risk and bring greater returns? Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf, Saudi Minister of Finance; Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning; Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Commerce & Industry; Dr. Shwaish Al-Duwaihi, Saudi Minister of Housing; and Eng. Abdullatif Al-Othman, Governor and Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) will address the issue. Richard Banks, Director for Euromoney, said: “Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference has its eye firmly on the Kingdom's future. Creating sustainable efficiency in public finances and enhancing the competitiveness of the Kingdom's financial system will be under close scrutiny. We know our findings will be vital reading for policy-makers and investors alike.” Government spending in the Kingdom rose between 20 and 25 percent in 2011 on social programs and pledges to ailing regional economies buried by turmoil. Therefore regional policy makers pay very close attention to Saudi Arabia's finances. Both public and private sector players - such as lead sponsors Aseer, BNP Paribas, Gulf International Bank, HSBC & NCB - will take part in the lively discussions at the Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference 2013. — SG
