Bahrain-Belgium business forum held

Brussels, May 17 (BNA): The Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in cooperation with the Bahrain Economic Development Board and the Arab-Belgium-Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) has organized the Bahrain-Belgium Business Forum in Brussels. The forum shed light on the available investment opportunities in Bahrain and the evolution of the Kingdom towards a diversified competitive economy. Speaking at the forum, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Belgium, Dr. Bahia Jawad Al Jishi, stressed that Bahrain attaches great importance to its relations with Belgium, which have been steadily growing over the years. While reviewing the economic development in the Kingdom, she pointed to the Kingdom's efforts to diversify its sources of economy, relying on its strategic location, competent national cadres, regulatory frameworks and legislation. She also pointed out the recent discovery of large reserves of oil and gas in the Kingdom, which will be an opportunity for international oil companies to invest in the country, stressing that this harmony between the national advantages, visions and policies provide solid ground for investors. On his part, Dr. Simon Galpin, Managing Director of the Economic Development Board, referred to the investment opportunities available to the private sector. He reviewed the opportunities in the fields of infrastructure, industrial sector and real estate as well as opportunities in the field of finance Dr. Simon announced EDB’s intention to render services to new investing companies and hailed its role in attracting international companies to the Kingdom of Bahrain, including Amazon Internet Services and Mondelez International Group. Qaiser Hijazin, Secretary-General of the Arab-Belgian Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC), highlighted the importance of intensifying trade relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Belgium. He pointed out that Belgian exports to the Kingdom of Bahrain have increased by 3% between 2016 and 2017 and Bahrain’s exports have soared by 58 %. The event was attended by senior Belgian and European officials, accredited Ambassadors to Brussels, businesspersons in the Kingdom of Belgium and Luxembourg and representatives from various economic sectors. They praised the forum and expressed their gratitude for the opportunities made available by the Kingdom of Bahrain