An Islamic investment forum being held in Melbourne on April 16 will give Australian companies the opportunity to directly tap capital from the Middle East and other Islamic countries.
The forum, being hosted by Amanie Advisors Australia, will be the first Islamic investment forum held in Australia, bringing together senior political, finance and industry figures, along with global investors, bankers and high ranking global Shariah scholars.
Mark Darras, who heads Amanie Advisors Australia, says: “This forum, which has the full support of the Victorian Government, gives Australian companies looking for capital the chance to put their case before some of the biggest investors in the Islamic world such as the Malaysian pension fund EPF Malaysia.
“Already there are two deals in the pipeline, and we believe this forum will open the door for other investment opportunities. In particular, we believe there will be strong interest in the Australian property sector.”
The Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, Employment and Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten, and Amanie Group Chairman, the world renown Islamic scholar, Dr Mohd Daud Bakar, will each deliver a keynote address, as will Shariah Board Chairman and global Islamic banking scholar, Dr. Mohamed Ali Elgari.
Dr Mohd Daud Bakar says: “Australia’s strong economy means that this country is a natural investment destination for Islamic investors, but it is also a future financial services hub for the very lucrative and busy South East Asian commercial region.
“Amanie Australia, as a strategic business within the Amanie Group, is well placed to service the growing demand for financial products and services, both as a result of the strong Australian economy and as a broader part of the growing South East Asian economies.
“Our Melbourne office builds on our global strategy of becoming a strong partner and adviser to local businesses and we are proud to be partnering with various Australian clients to support their international and national objectives.”
To be held at the Park Hyatt, East Melbourne, industry leaders will meet and discuss new possibilities in Islamic banking and finance, with a special focus being investment in Australia.
Other notable public figures who will address the forum include the event’s Platinum Sponsor, and Managing Director of IQnovate, Dr George Sirmalis, well known Sukuk specialist and Managing Director of Amanie Malaysia, Mr Baiza Bain, and Robert Johansen, Chairman of Bendigo Bank.
Also to be announced at the Forum will be an Amanie-sponsored capital raise where the Fund will invest in Australia’s growing asset leasing sector.