The announcement of this major event in the international economic agenda was made on Thursday in Casablanca.

   This Forum will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and representatives of civil society and opinion leaders in order to reflect on a strategy of growth and development for the region in a context characterized by the global economic crisis, the volatility of oil prices and water shortage.

    The Forum will mainly tackle "Regional responses to global risks," "Promoting sustainable growth" and "North Africa: New Regions of commercial partnership."

    Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, André Schneider, said that the choice of Morocco to host such an event is due to its geographic position and its close links with Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East as well as its well-established ties with North America and Latin America.