iran summit brochure · 2016. 2. 15. · 11:30am panel discussion: iranian fi nancial services -...
TRANSCRIPT
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM:
live.ft.com/Iran
Said RahmaniFounder and CEOSarava
Stan BhartiFounder and Executive ChairmanForbes & Manhattan
Hamid BiglariManaging PartnerTGG Group
Lionel BarberEditorFinancial Times
09 March 2016 | Grosvenor House LONDON
FT IRAN SUMMITExploring Opportunity and Risk in a Potential Economic Powerhouse
CONFERENCE AGENDA
8:00am Registration and refreshments
8:50am Chair’s opening remarks
9:00am Opening keynote address
9:30am Panel discussion: Geopolitical and economic Outlook for Iran
For the first time in decades, the pieces are in place for a more cooperative relationship between Iran and the West. With the signing of the nuclear accord, Tehran can look forward to a gradual return to the international community and an improvement in its economic prospects. Europe, which recognises the necessity of greater cooperation with an oil and gas-rich leading Middle East nation, will take a lead role in Iran’s rehabilitation. The outlook for the Islamic Republic, however, hinges on geopolitics as much as internal political dynamics. On this first panel, experts and officials will explore Iran’s prospects as an emerging market, the complex forces that will shape the economy and relations with the west and the geopolitical implications for the region.
10:30am Networking break
11:00am Sanctions and the order of relief
More important than knowing when Iranian sanctions are going to be lifted is knowing the order in which they will be removed. Certain key sanctions, such as those imposed on Iranian financial services and the banking sector, will lead to the greatest changes in the Iranian economy. This spotlight session will focus on the order of sanctions relief (which will go, which will stay, and when?), the likely sectors that will benefit, and the government and legal system changes that are required to minimise perceived obstacles to investors during or after sanction lifting.
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11:30am Panel discussion: Iranian fi nancial services - reform is crucial
The Iranian banking sector and stock market will be fundamentally important vehicles to channel the funds of international investors into the real Iranian economy. But two key challenges still surround the state controlled sector. The rate of non-performing loans (NPLs) is high and rising, drawing question marks around past lending decisions. And the availability of credit for future lending seems to be scarce.
Can government efforts to create a “bad bank” structure to deal with NPLs solve the problem?
Will Iranian banks be put under similar capital adequacy tests than Europe?How can the Iranian banking sector nurture a new, more entrepreneurial culture?What financing prospects exist through debt and equity?What risks surround the Iranian stock market as sanctions are lowered? Is Iran ready for the expected foreign capital inflows?
12:30pm An investment strategy for the last great frontier market
Any investor approaching Iran will be faced with a series of tough decisions:
• Do you invest directly in different companies or do you funnel investments through banks, insurance companies and other financial service providers?
• Should investors make joint ventures and partnerships with companies on the ground? If so, how can you insure that you avoid partnering with organisations affiliated to the Revolutionary Guard, or that will continue to be under sanctions or could create a reputational risk?
• What are the regulatory and legal risks surrounding the Iranian economy?
1:00pm Networking lunch
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2:00pm Panel discussion: Iranian natural resources - can they compete on the global stage?
Iran is undoubtedly sitting on vast reserves of oil and gas. Current production of oil in Iran stands at 2.7 million barrels per day. However it could be as much as 700,000 extra barrels per day, if reforms are passed and implemented. On top of the oil and gas, Iran also possesses a huge and abundant variety of minerals and other natural resources, including gold, copper, cobalt and gypsum.
• Will government measures to bring more energy, mining and metals companies to Iran prove fruitful?
• Can they compete with other rapidly expanding producers such as Iraq, Abu Dhabi and Mexico?
• What direction will future oil production take: overall priority and strategy for the sector, the investment contracts to incentivise international companies, infrastructure requirements, and application of Western know-how and innovation?
• What are the opportunities for expanding the extraction of metals and minerals?
3:00pm Tourism and the path to new profi ts
Iranian tourism is bouncing back. With the first Western hotel opening in since the revolution, an opportunity has arisen in the tourism sector. Last year Iran welcomed 6 million visitors, who generated roughly 2% of the GDP in revenue and business. What is the future of the tourism industry in Iran?
3:30pm Networking break
4:00 pm Panel discussion: Can Iran innovate? The emergence of Tehran Tech
It might be tempting to assume that a country with a conservative culture would be ill-prepared to succeed in innovation. However Iran seems to challenge these established notions. The country has a large number of highly skilled and creative entrepreneurs and technologists. An exciting range of technology start-ups are springing up across the country. How can Iran leverage its young population, making up 60% of its 80 million strong population, through education and innovation-focused employment / start-up initiatives?
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The Financial Times will host an exclusive summit examining the opportunities and challenges surrounding Iran’s reintegration into the global economy. Bringing the political and commercial leadership of Iran together with major international investors, corporations and civil society organisations, the FT Iran Summit will explore Iran’s potential as an economic powerhouse as well as the political, geo-political and cultural forces shaping its future.
Iran is undoubtedly a blessed country. In addition to its vast reserves of natural resources, its vibrant culture makes it so much more than just another resource-rich developing economy. Its young, technologically savvy and highly educated population has the potential to propel this country into a brave, new era. Greater demand and much needed reform of key sectors will also open up new investor opportunities. However, despite the nuclear accord agreed with world powers, Iran remains a challenging state for international corporations to do business, due to high levels of state control, bureaucracy and lack of transparency. As international sanctions are lifted, and economic conditions improve, what steps should investors take as they navigate through a changing business landscape?
• Explore the economic, geo-political and other pressures shaping the relations between Iran and the West, and the country’s future economic outlook
• Gain insights on the sectors that will benefi t fi rst from sanctions lifting, and the obstacles that still remain, from key experts
• Determine the practicalities and the best courses of action when implementing an investment strategy into Iran
• Network with key Iranian stakeholders and peers
WHO ATTENDS?
The Iran Summit 2016 will be attended by:• Chairmen, CEOs and COOs;• CFOs and Finance Directors;• Chief Strategy Offi cers or Global Strategy Directors;• Managing Directors and Managing Partners;• Marketing and Sales Directors;• Head of Middle East / EMEA;• SVP, Head, VP, or Director of International Operations / Development / Country Risk• Director of International Affairs• Sanctions Advisors;• Government; and• Academia
from global corporations, embassies and trade organisations, chambers of commerce, think tanks, academia, consultants, lawyers, investment banks/companies, private equity, and asset management.
Discounts: Discounts are available when registering multiple delegates and for FT and FT.com subscribers. For more details email [email protected]
@FTLive #FTIran facebook.com/FinancialTimes on.ft.com/linkedin
Delegate Rates Fee
Early Booking Rate before 08 January 2016 £999 + VAT
Standard Booking Rate £1299 + VAT
TO REGISTER:
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FT IRAN SUMMIT