June 17, 2014
Manama: His Excellency Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board (EDB) held a meeting with the EDB’s international offices representatives from the United States, Germany and China, to discuss ways to strengthen the role of overseas offices in attracting foreign investments to the Kingdom.
During the meeting, His Excellency stressed on the importance of promoting Bahrain’s optimal business environment, as well as its openness and development on all levels in order to attract foreign investment that will add value to the national economy. The meeting, held at the EDB offices in Seef, also discussed the need to increase communication with targeted business sectors and countries, and assist in setting up partnerships between Bahraini businesses and their counterparts overseas.
His Excellency also stressed the importance of the role EDB’s international offices have continued to play by promoting investment cooperation between Bahrain and the countries in which the offices operate. He directed the offices to double their efforts in attracting more international and trade delegations to familiarize them with Bahrain’s business environment and opportunities, such as the Kingdom’s skilled workforce, relatively lower living costs and higher rates of human development, that have previously attracted numerous large companies and investors.
The EDB’s international office representatives have also met with a number of senior officials in the diplomatic missions of the United States, Germany and China to discuss future cooperation. Additionally, during their visit to Bahrain they met officials from ‘Tamkeen’ to learn about the different training support schemes designed to make Bahrainis the preferred employee choice, as well as private sector support schemes and services provided to businesses and investors.
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), in cooperation with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), have in the past organised a number of forums and meetings with foreign delegations and companies, including a business forum which saw the participation of a business delegation from Shenzhen, one of the leading economic cities in Southern China last April. The Board also attended meetings with a delegation from the German-Arab Friendship Association, which consisted of 11 participants from various Industrial sectors in Germany, including Optics, Engineering, Metal and Electrical industries as well as representatives of German Academics. The delegation explored investment opportunities in the Kingdom and partnership opportunities with local businessmen in the private sector.
This is in line with the EDB’s commitment to highlight the economic achievements of the Kingdom on a regional and global scale through active involvement with business sectors in prominent industrial countries and regions which the Kingdom is targeting through various forums, roadshows, and ongoing meetings.
-ENDS-
