HAFEEZ SHAIKH TO ADDRESS ON ECONOMIC CHALLENGES AT WEF

Islamabad, May 15, 2004

Hundreds of political, business and civic leaders have an intense agenda as they gather at the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea, to address the important, crucial and pressing issues of terrorism, reform and employment generation at the World Economic Forum at Amman, Jordan, which was opened today, says a message received from Amman, Jordan.

Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment, who is leading a high level delegation representing the President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf who nominated Dr. Hafeez Shaikh, will deliver his keynote address on the economic challenges being faced in the region. His Highness King Abdullah had invited the President of Pakistan to participate in the conference.

The Minister will highlight the economic achievements made under the leadership of President Pervez Musharraf and apprise the delegates regarding the investment and privatisation opportunities in Pakistan. The conference will deliberate on the global economic and regional challenges of the area. The theme of the Conference is, 'Facing the Real Challenges-Partnering for a Renaissance'.

Up to 1,300 participants are expected at this Dead Sea resort for the gathering, which will be a hybrid between the forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, and a regional summit.

Secretary of State Colin Powell along with six heads of state, more than 30 government ministers, 500 international companies and several non-governmental Organizations will attend the moot. This year, the forum will be more of a working meeting where topics on reform will account for more than 40 percent of the program and business issues -- travel, tourism technology and construction -- will be featured more strongly.

Held under the patronage of His Majesty, King Abdullah II of Jordan, the World Economic Forum in Jordan 2004 will serve as the region's premier platform for engaging global leaders in addressing the challenges. More than 850 senior leaders from 51 countries will tackle issues to boost regional competitiveness and policy reforms," said Forum Founder, Klaus Schwab.