The World Economic Forum wound up its proceedings in Sharm El Sheikh Monday after three days of intensive meetings which witnessed debates, social, economic and social dialogue among 1400 businessmen, economists, and politicians.

Minister of Foreign Trade and Industry Rasheed Mohammed Rasheed said that Egypt succeeded in achieving its aims of hosting the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Sharm El-Sheikh.

In statements to the Egyptian TV Monday evening, Rasheed said that the main objective of the forum was promoting Egypt as a state in possession of formidable capabilities in tourism and investment domains.

He further noted that media coverage of the event over the past days had a positive impact on incoming tourism and investment.

He further referred to the keenness of investors and decision-makers in the Middle East, Europe and America on meeting first-hand experience of the climate of investment in Egypt.
For his part, Finance Minister Youssef Boutros Ghali said that events of the World Economic Forum proceeded successfully.

In statements to the CNN Monday, Ghali said that the forum is an important chance for people and businessmen from all world countries to meet together, interact and discuss all issues of mutual concern.

The participants could also exchange views vis-à-vis a number of projects which they could jointly implement, according to Ghali.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit also said Monday that the WEF paved the way for negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.

In statements to MENA, Abul-Gheit said that meetings on the sidelines of the WEF aimed at setting the stage for the resumption of active negotiations that would lead to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.

Asked about a possible change in the Israeli stance towards Palestinians, Abul-Gheit said that both parties were expected to show positive stances for a meeting, for the sake of which efforts should be intensified.

The Foreign Minister did not rule out the presence of Egyptian mechanisms to help hold Palestinian-Israeli meetings. As for the WEF, Abul-Gheit affirmed to MENA that it made a big success at all levels.

The forum showed the readiness of Egypt and the whole region to development, construction and reforms. It also showed Egypt's keenness on building peace, achieving stability and developing Arab societies and the Middle East at the political and economic levels.