GCC-Asia Economic Forum

Banking, Investment & Digital Infrastructure

United Nations Conference Center, Bangkok, Thailand | October 14, 2026 | 9:30 a.m – 1:00 p.m

Held under the Patronage of

H.E. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi

GCC Secretary General

H.E. Dr. Yaqoub Yousef Al-Refaei

Minister of Finance State of Kuwait

Overview

The GCC–Asia Economic Forum is conceived as a closed-door, institution-led platform designed to strengthen economic and financial connectivity between two of the world’s most consequential regions. Convened alongside the International Monetary Fund–World Bank Annual Meetings 2026 in Thailand, the Forum brings together senior decision-makers from financial institutions, investment platforms, and digital infrastructure providers to engage in focused, execution-oriented discussions. The Forum is structured around three interdependent pillars—core banking, crossborder investment, and digital and AI-enabled infrastructure—reflecting how modern economic corridors are built in practice. Rather than centering on policy statements or individual initiatives, the platform emphasizes institutional alignment, deployable capital, and the infrastructure required to support sustainable cross-border activity at scale.

The GCC–Asia Economic Forum aims to move engagement from discussion to execution by fostering actionable partnerships, structured investment pipelines, and interoperable financial and digital infrastructure. By aligning institutions across banking, investment, and technology, the Forum contributes to the development of durable GCC–Asia economic corridors that support long-term growth, resilience, and integration.

Agenda

09:00 – 9:30

Registration & Arrival

09:30 – 9:35

Opening Remarks & Keynote Speech

09:35 – 9:50

Keynote Speech – GCC

09:50 – 10:00

Keynote Speech – ASIA

10:00 – 10:45

Pillar I: Core Banking & Balance Sheet Partnerships

Exploring how GCC & Asian banks can strengthen cross-border banking cooperation through scalable balance-sheet partnerships. liquidity coordination, and aligned financing structures supporting trade and Institutional growth.

Panel Discussion on:
  • Cross-border lending 6 syndications
  • Liquidity 6 treasury cooperation
  • Islamic 6 conventional financing alignment
  • Sukuk-linked funding structures
  • Regulatory coordination and risk management
  • Banking partnerships supporting GCC-Asia trade 6 investment flows

10:55 – 11:40

Pillar Il: Cross-Border Investment, Capital Markets & Deal Flow

Examining how GCC and Asian institutions can translate strategic alignment into executable investment partnerships through co-investment platforms, capital markets connectivity, and sustainable transaction pipelines.

Panel Discussion on:
  • Project and infrastructure finance
  • Private equity and private credit opportunities
  • GCC-Asia co-investment platforms
  • Capital markets access and connectivity
  • Sukuk and structured investment products
  • Building sustainable cross-border investment pipelines

11:40 – 12:25

Pillar Ill: Digital, Al & Financial Infrastructure for Cross-Border Finance

Assessing the digital & infrastructure foundations required to support secure, interoperable, & Al-enabled financial connectivity between the GCC and Asia.

Panel Discussion on:
  • Cross-border payments infrastructure
  • Al applications in financial services
  • Digital identity and authentication
  • Data governance and cybersecurity
  • Cloud. network. and financial infrastructure
  • Public-private collaboration for interoperable financial ecosystems

12:25 – 01:00

Closing Remarks & Networking

Supporting Partners

Participants

Sheikh Ahmad Duaij Jaber Al Sabah is the Chairman of Commercial Bank of Kuwait since April 1st 2018, after holding the position of Vice Chairman from 4/4/2015 to 31/3/2018 and Board Member from 29/4/2012 to 3/4/2015 In his capacity as Chairman of Commercial Bank of Kuwait , Sheikh Ahmed Duaij Al Sabah has been nominated as Chairman of Kuwait Banking Association . He is also a Board member in Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies. Furthermore, Sheikh Ahmed held the position of Board member in Kuwait Clearing Company representing Commercial Bank of Kuwait from 2018 until 2019. And the Chairman of Al Tijari Financial Brokerage Company from 2014 until 2020. During his tenure with Al Tijari Investment Company (CBK Capital) from 2010 to 2012 Sheikh Ahmed was Project Finance Manager , and Acting Portfolio Manager and Manager Private Equity, prior to that and specifically from 2005 to 2010 he worked with Commercial Bank of Kuwait in the Shareholders Service Unit. Sheikh Ahmed started his career after graduation with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation in the capacity of Corporate Planner. Sheikh Ahmed Duaij Jaber Al Sabah graduated with Master of Business Administration from Maastricht School of Management in March 2008 after obtaining his Bachelor degree in Science with a major in Finance from Bentley College – United States of America in May 2000 .
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