Emerging markets guru to speak at first MIPIM Horizons

Emerging markets investor Mark Mobius is to give a keynote address at the inaugural MIPIM Horizons conference being held in Cannes in December. Mobius, executive chairman of Templeton Asset Management, will talk on the topic 'emerging markets growth' on 3 December. In total, MIPIM Horizons will feature over 150 conferences and workshops, speed matching sessions and a closed-door leaders' summit.

Mobius commented: 'Emerging markets have grown into a strong asset class over the last 10 years. They are rapidly developing economies which are becoming increasingly sophisticated and integrated into global markets. While their per capita income is currently lower than the one of developed countries, the growth rate at which emerging markets have been narrowing the gap will make them tomorrow's developed markets in a matter of time. Strong investor confidence, fund inflows and a well-working macroeconomic environment have contributed to their stock market performances over the last years. These markets remain attractive investment destinations because they offer superior growth opportunities at historically lower risk levels.'

Ranked by Asiamoney magazine in 2006 as one of the 'Top 100 Most Powerful and Influential People', Mobius has set out his investment ideas in books such as Trading with China; The investor's guide to emerging markets; Mobius on emerging markets and Passport to profits. Mobius was appointed joint chairman of the Global Corporate Governance Forum Investor Responsibility Taskforce of the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in 1999.

Reed Midem, the organiser of the annual MIPIM property fair, created MIPIM Horizons to focus on fast growing markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.