Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, deputised Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, to inaugurate the World Business Angels Investment Fourm WBAF 2024, held on November 19-20.
During the opening ceremony, the minister delivered a speech highlighting the investment-friendly environment in the Kingdom under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the support of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He emphasised Bahrain’s role as a hub for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, supported by economic and trade partnerships with countries worldwide.
The minister noted that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are key drivers of entrepreneurship and investment growth.
He welcomed the convening of the WBAF, held under the patronage of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and underscored the forum’s importance as a key platform for presenting initiatives and programmes aimed at creating promising opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, contributing to the achievement of the desired economic objectives.
The minister said that the right investments transform potential into progress, promoting economic growth, fairness, and prosperity.
He noted that great ideas arise globally, but they require timely support to succeed. He highlighted the need to back innovative ideas, empower entrepreneurs by securing capital through various initiatives, and create opportunities while advancing technological progress.
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa also emphasised the importance of global partnerships to establish funding frameworks for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which expand investment opportunities for businesses worldwide.
He underscored that real progress requires well-thought-out policies and strategies, with active participation from institutions across all sectors.
The World Business Angels Investment Fourm is one of the world’s leading conferences in entrepreneurship, serving as a platform for senior officials, experts, and business leaders from 42 countries.
It facilitates discussions on the latest developments in entrepreneurship, innovation, and startup growth, providing opportunities to exchange ideas, best practices, and expertise, and to forge strategic partnerships with prominent investors worldwide.
