'Biban 23' Discusses Importance of Supporting Talent to Boost Economy

iban 23 Forum resumed its activities for the third day through a series of workshops and pioneering sessions - SPA
iban 23 Forum resumed its activities for the third day through a series of workshops and pioneering sessions - SPA
TT

'Biban 23' Discusses Importance of Supporting Talent to Boost Economy

iban 23 Forum resumed its activities for the third day through a series of workshops and pioneering sessions - SPA
iban 23 Forum resumed its activities for the third day through a series of workshops and pioneering sessions - SPA

The third day of the "Biban 23" forum's event saw discussions on the value of assisting small and medium-sized businesses in luring top talent, generating innovative ideas, and creating jobs that will boost the economy.

This came during a panel session on "Financing and Attracting Talent: A Essential Influencer for Growth Leaders."

The speakers discussed the significance of increasing investor and regulator awareness of startups, as well as how to educate, train and make entrepreneurs aware of their options through programs offered by institutions with a connection to the government.

They stressed that failure does not mean the end of the road and that the culture of entrepreneurship must change by supporting them and paving all avenues for their assistance, state news agency SPA reported.

The speakers also highlighted the importance of supporting the successes attained by entrepreneurs. They emphasized the value of financial incentives and training to entice young people to join start-up businesses and contribute to their expansion and profitability.



Oil Edges Up on Strong US GDP Data

A pumpjack brings oil to the surface in the Monterey Shale, California, US April 29, 2013. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo
A pumpjack brings oil to the surface in the Monterey Shale, California, US April 29, 2013. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo
TT

Oil Edges Up on Strong US GDP Data

A pumpjack brings oil to the surface in the Monterey Shale, California, US April 29, 2013. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo
A pumpjack brings oil to the surface in the Monterey Shale, California, US April 29, 2013. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo

Oil prices were up slightly on Friday on stronger-than-expected US economic data that raised investor expectations for increasing crude oil demand from the world's largest energy consumer.

But concerns about soft economic conditions in Asia's biggest economies, China and Japan, capped gains.

Brent crude futures for September rose 7 cents to $82.44 a barrel by 0014 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude for September increased 4 cents to $78.32 per barrel, Reuters reported.

In the second quarter, the US economy grew at a faster-than-expected annualised rate of 2.8% as consumers spent more and businesses increased investments, Commerce Department data showed. Economists polled by Reuters had predicted US gross domestic product would grow by 2.0% over the period.

At the same time, inflation pressures eased, which kept intact expectations that the Federal Reserve would move forward with a September interest rate cut. Lower interest rates tend to boost economic activity, which can spur oil demand.

Still, continued signs of trouble in parts of Asia limited oil price gains.

Core consumer prices in Japan's capital were up 2.2% in July from a year earlier, data showed on Friday, raising market expectations of an interest rate hike in the near term.

But an index that strips away energy costs, seen as a better gauge of underlying price trends, rose at the slowest annual pace in nearly two years, suggesting that price hikes are moderating due to soft consumption.

China, the world's biggest crude importer, surprised markets for a second time this week by conducting an unscheduled lending operation on Thursday at steeply lower rates, suggesting authorities are trying to provide heavier monetary stimulus to prop up the economy.