Manama : Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, participated in the panel session “Navigating Uncertainty in Global Markets” at the third edition of the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum 2025, alongside Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, and Rt Hon Alderman Alastair King, Lord Mayor of the City of London, as part of the third edition of the Gulf Investment Gateway Forum 2025.
The forum, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, saw extensive participation from senior officials, experts, and business leaders from Bahrain, the region, and around the world.
During the discussion, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to strengthen economic cooperation among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, contributing to sustainable economic growth. He highlighted the directives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to advance national initiatives and support all efforts under the Bahrain Team umbrella, aiming to achieve the Kingdom’s envisioned goals and create promising investment opportunities for Bahrain’s economy.
The Finance Minister noted the strategic advantages of the Gulf region and its competitive strengths, which have enabled it to be more open to global economies, supported by advanced legislation, policies, and a skilled workforce capable of innovation.
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa also emphasised the role of sovereign wealth funds in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) through joint ventures with global companies, citing the pivotal role of Mumtalakat Holding Company, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, in capital allocation, empowering the private sector, and strengthening its role as a major driver of economic development.
He further highlighted Bahrain’s focus on diversifying its economic base and strengthening strategic and investment partnerships with other countries, with a particular focus on financial services, clean energy, industry, technology, and the oil and gas sector, all supported by local capacity building and expertise development.
The Finance Minister also underlined the role of the Tamkeen Labour Fund in supporting national competencies and providing training and employment opportunities, ensuring Bahraini professionals remain the first and best choice in the labour market, alongside initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in the Kingdom.
During the session, the panel addressed key challenges and developments in global markets and explored ways to transform them into strategic opportunities.
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa additionally highlighted the role of innovation in driving economic growth, enhancing competitiveness, and the contribution of regional joint initiatives in supporting economic stability and strengthening the global competitiveness of regional markets.
