The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain—makes up the most prosperous group of countries in the Middle East. The population of 35 million is growing and the economy has doubled in the last five years. Building on their immense success in the oil industry, the countries of the GCC are diversifying their economies and transforming the region into a world hub for business, finance and tourism. Two-way trade in goods between the GCC and Canada increased 14.9 percent between 2005 and 2006 to reach $3.64 billion.
Minister Emerson’s visit to Jordan builds on the momentum flowing from the July 13, 2007, meeting in Ottawa between Prime Minister Harper and His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. The leaders announced the conclusion of negotiations on a Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement and a new Air Transport Agreement. They also launched a feasibility study into a future bilateral free trade agreement.
“Jordan is an important partner in the region. Stronger trade and investment ties between our countries are a key objective of our strategy for global commerce,” said Minister Emerson.
Canadian and Jordanian officials are scheduled to meet in Amman, Jordan, later this month to discuss the scope of a potential free trade agreement, with a view to beginning negotiations in 2008.
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Minister Emerson Leading Trade Mission To Middle East
Posted on Friday, November 09 at 16:36 by N SayContributed By
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Canada recognizes that the Americans are clearing a path for their friends to ALSO do business in the middle east. It was understood that the spoils of war were to only be shared with those that participated. Emerson must know George Bush personally. Very personally!
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Expect little from life and get more from it.
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By Andrew Wood in Hong Kong <br />
Published: November 21 2007 03:28 | Last updated: November 21 2007 03:28<br />
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Hong Kong has taken its first step towards developing Islamic finance products, as it joins rival financial centres in the race to target one of the fastest-expanding markets in the world. <br />
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The Securities and Futures Commission, the local regulator, on Tuesday gave its approval for the Hang Seng Islamic China Index Fund, to be run by Hang Seng Investment Management, a member of the HSBC group. Hang Seng declined to give more information about the fund, saying further details had to be finalised before it could be formally launched.<br />
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The Islamic finance market is estimated to be worth $500bn by Standard & Poor’s, the ratings agency. But bankers say the potential for growth is huge as more Muslims seek to invest in products compliant with their religion.<br />
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An Islamic fund usually has religious scholars on its board to help select investments that comply with shariah law. These funds do not invest in businesses that make alcohol, pork-related products or those involved in gambling. They also need to be structured to avoid paying interest.<br />
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etc <br />
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<a href="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bed38a6e-97d6-11dc-9e08-0000779fd2ac.html">http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bed38a6e-97d6-11dc-9e08-0000779fd2ac.html</a><p>---<br>"George Bush has declared the war on terrorism to be the cause of his generation. The cause of Canadian sovereignty will be ours." - John Godfrey, MP for Don Va