Mohammed A. R. Galadari

Chairman, Galadari Group of Companies Editor-in-Chief, Khaleej Times UAE

It gives me great pleasure to be joining the Eurasian Media Forum 2004 that would focus attention on a host of subjects that are highly relevant to the current scenario in Asia in particular and the world at large.
I understand that the forum is an entity conceived by its organizers as being without political, economic or ideological allegiances, and that it strives to explore the concept of Eurasia, promote its media, and build a continuing dialogue between the East and the West. That enhances its prestige. I am proud to be associating with you in this noble endeavor.

Asia is where action is. It basically has two sides: one, the fast developing Asia; and the other, the poorly developed Asia. There is spectacular boom in business and commerce; and cities are growing at an unbelievable speed. To tap on these growing markets and resources, top industrial and commercial establishments from the West are increasingly shifting their attention to this continent. On offer are both quality performance and cheap labour. And, on the other side, there is the spectre of poverty, malnutrition and population explosion. Governments need to put their acts together and shape the destiny of their peoples in better ways.

There are lessons to learn from the growth momentum that China and Japan, or the emerging mega cities in the continent, have gained over the past few decades. That should guide others who are still groping in the dark. I hope forums like this will help promote the developmental aspirations of both the rulers and the ruled.

That this meeting of minds is taking place in Kazakhstan, a country dear to my heart, is a matter of added pleasure to me. This nation, barely 13 years old, is located at the cross-roads of two great civilizations. That gives it a distinct advantage. And I believe the need of our times is not a clash of civilizations, but a fusion of civilizations, that would see the good aspects from different sides coalesce into new concepts and practices. Kazakhstan, by its very location, can play a major role in this respect.