MENA-OECD investment security in the Mediterranean (ISMED) working group

Inaugural Conference

Fostering Infrastructure Investment in the MENA Region

Mitigating Risk in Uncertain Times

Paris, 9 December, 2013

The UfM Secretariat will participate in the MENA-OECD investment security in the Mediterranean (ISMED) working group. The conference on Fostering Infrastructure Investment in the MENA Region: Mitigating Risk in Uncertain Times will address the facilitation of the private sector decision to invest in infrastructure projects in the MENA region, including under public-private partnership. Discussions will focus, in particular, on ways to expand the use of existing guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms. The conference will also formally launch the MENA-OECD Working Group on Investment Security in the Mediterranean (ISMED).

Background

Infrastructure is a key element of the business environment and a generator of employment. Increasing demand for infrastructure in the MENA region is obstructed by declining private investment in major projects due to global economic conditions and political uncertainty in some parts of the region. A range of risk mitigation instruments, such as guarantees, political risk insurance, etc. are key levers that can, at least partially, offset investor apprehensions as MENA governments attempt to secure private investment in difficult conditions.

Find here the draft programme of the event