Manama: The Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), has kicked off a three-day strategic visit to France, led by H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB with the support of senior members of the island nation’s investment promotion agency. Featuring a series of curated events and meetings, the trip is designed to strengthen economic and trade ties between the two countries as well as showcase the healthy growth prospects Bahrain offers across priority sectors, with a focus on financial services and tourism.
Bahrain continues to serve as the gateway to the Gulf providing facilitated access to the wider MENA region. Bahrain EDB operates several offices in strategic locations around the world, including Paris, to promote Bahrain as a destination for investment. Supported by its headquarters in Bahrain, the Paris office plays a crucial role in offering French businesses market intelligence, guidance, and connections to key decision-makers.
H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB, said, “Bahrain stands at the forefront of economic opportunity, leveraging its established heritage of being a dynamic hub of investment with its forward-looking policies. Our strategic location, robust infrastructure, and bilingual talent pool continues to position our island nation as an ideal destination for international investors. We look forward to engaging with multi-sectoral French businesses to unlock new avenues for mutually beneficial growth.”
Financial services, manufacturing, logistics, ICT and tourism companies stand to benefit from Bahrain’s unique value proposition, which fosters a favourable and innovative investment ecosystem, enabling international businesses to easily set up in Bahrain and expand to the region beyond. With France’s cumulative investments in Bahrain valued at USD 322 million, Bahrain is home to prominent French companies including NextCare, Fives Solios, Thales, Accor, Egis International and Veolia. The non-oil trade between Bahrain and France has seen a remarkable trajectory, growing 53% from USD 334 million in 2019 to over USD 512 million in 2023.
Bahrain remains committed to reinforcing its position as a prime destination for investment, with forward-looking policies aimed at simplifying business operations and offering unique competitive advantages that lead to success stories with local roots and global impact. These factors, combined with Bahrain’s highly skilled, bi-lingual, diverse talent pool, continue to cement the island nation as an attractive destination for global investors year after year.
During the first nine months of 2024, Bahrain EDB successfully attracted USD1.056 billion in direct investment from 62 local and international projects. Notably, 40% of these investments represent new ventures, while 60% are expansion projects, projected to create over 5,400 employment opportunities within a three-year period.
