Latest news with #BahrainChamber
Daily Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Targets Polish Gateway
TDT| Manama Bahrain is placing a bold bet on Eastern Europe, positioning itself as a Gulf gateway for Polish investors amid its long-term push to diversify beyond oil. Gateway ambitions Speaking at the Bahrain–Poland Economic Forum, His Excellency Sameer Nass, Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, spotlighted the Kingdom's evolution into a regional hub linking the Gulf, Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. H.E. cited Bahrain's advanced banking and financial landscape, home to more than 400 offshore banks, and growing strengths in innovation, transport, and engineering. H.E. Nass praised Poland's capabilities and urged stronger partnerships in food security, education, and advanced manufacturing, calling for more joint exhibitions to connect businesses in both nations. Lublin's pitch Polish leaders responded in kind. Marshal of the Lublin Voivodeship, Jarosław Stawiarski, hailed the forum as a milestone for bilateral economic ties and positioned Lublin as a strategic European partner. He pointed to the region's academic depth, agricultural strengths, and investor-friendly environment. Head of International Cooperation at the Lublin City Office, Ewelina Graban, added that investors in the region benefit from tax refunds of up to 70% for 15 years, access to Europe's largest dry port, and a modern airport, making Lublin an ideal logistics base for Gulf outreach. Bahrain's outreach Representing the Bahrain Chamber, board members and officials used the platform to underline Bahrain's private sector capabilities. Board Member Ahmed AlSaloom said Bahrain could serve as a springboard for Polish exports and investments entering the wider Gulf. He highlighted opportunities in technology, renewable energy, and green hydrogen. Dr. Waheeb Alkhaja echoed that momentum, calling for deeper collaboration in education and research through joint programmes that align with Bahrain's national education strategy. Vice Treasurer of the Chamber and Head of its Steering Committee said the Chamber's sectoral committees were actively generating data-driven insights to improve competitiveness and policy alignment. Growing momentum The forum welcomed over 40 Polish companies, many seeking entry into Gulf markets. Discussions culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at deepening cooperation across food security, finance, manufacturing, education, and technology. The gathering signalled both countries' commitment to repositioning their economic strategies through mutual investment and sectoral innovation.
Daily Tribune
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Chamber joins ICC WCF Council
The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry has secured its membership in the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) General Council for the term from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. The Chamber's Chief Executive Officer, Atef Al Khaja, was elected to the WCF Executive Committee following a vote by chambers representing over 120 countries. This milestone reflects the Kingdom's growing influence in international trade diplomacy, in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. It affirms Bahrain's commitment to contributing to global trade policy and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as key pillars of sustainable economic development. Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, Sameer Nass expressed his deep pride in the Chamber's achievement, emphasizing that this international recognition is a testament to the Chamber's institutional strength, global engagement, and strategic vision. He commended Al Khaja and the Chamber team for their consistent efforts in positioning Bahrain as a proactive player in the global trade arena. He stressed that Bahrain's presence in the WCF General Council offers a powerful platform to represent the interests of the national private sector, shape global trade dynamics, and open new opportunities for Bahraini entrepreneurs, especially SMEs. He added that this role aligns with the Chamber's broader mission to foster integration with international markets and adopt global best practices that support Bahrain's position as a regional hub for trade and innovation. Chairman of ICC Bahrain's National Committee, Rashid Abdulrahman, praised the accomplishment, highlighting the close cooperation between the Chamber and the committee. He noted that Bahrain's role within the WCF would support its efforts to shape global economic policies and foster private sector competitiveness. Bahrain Chamber CEO, Al Khaja described the membership as both an honor and a strategic responsibility, pledging to focus on initiatives that support entrepreneurship, empower SMEs, and expand Bahrain's international partnerships.
Daily Tribune
22-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Expands Russian Ties Through Seven MOUs
TDT | Manama Bahrain is expanding its global economic footprint, signing seven private-sector MOUs with Russian economic bodies at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025. The agreements underscore the Kingdom's growing drive to link Bahraini enterprises with new international markets. Bahrain Chamber, led by its Chairman H.E. Sameer Nass, engaged with several prominent Russian institutions to strengthen cooperation across trade, investment, industry, tourism, and logistics. The forum served as a platform to formalise commercial partnerships and unlock long-term cross-border business opportunities. Chamber Signs Seven MOUs The Chamber signed memorandums of understanding with seven institutions under the Russian Federation: Roscongress Foundation, and regional chambers representing Moscow, Chechnya, Krasnodar, Yakutia, and Lipetsk. Each agreement focuses on exchanging economic and investment data, co-hosting exhibitions and trade delegations, and facilitating sector-specific projects that support SMEs and key sectors looking to expand into new regions. 'These MOUs reflect our strategy to connect Bahraini businesses with promising global markets,' said H.E. Nass. 'They represent opportunities for SMEs and key sectors looking to expand into new regions.' Supporting SMEs Khalid Najibi, First Vice Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, said the agreements align with the Chamber's mission to unlock international investment opportunities. Board Member Ahmed Al Saloom added that the MOUs provide tangible benefits for small and medium enterprises. 'Strategic partnerships like these give our businesses real leverage to expand and innovate internationally,' he said. Global Presence The Chamber reaffirmed its support for Bahraini SMEs and its commitment to opening global market pathways in line with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. Officials noted that the private sector remains central to local development and that these agreements will further solidify Bahrain's economic presence on the global stage.
Daily Tribune
16-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain eyes Nigeria, Africa's largest economy
TDT | Manama Bahrain is deepening its outreach to Africa's largest economy, as the Bahrain Chamber signalled interest in boosting trade and investment ties with Nigeria during high-level talks on Sunday. Africa Strategy Chairman H.E. Sameer Nass received H.E. Murtala Jimoh, the Kuwait-based Charge d'Affaires of the Federal Republic of Nigeria accredited to Bahrain, for a meeting focused on bilateral trade, which reached $24.7 million in 2024. The discussion centred on expanding cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, and energy. Ambassador Jimoh suggested signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bahrain Chamber and its Nigerian counterpart to facilitate direct links between entrepreneurs, business delegations, and investment forums. Chamber Role H.E. Nass highlighted the Chamber's role as a key enabler of Bahrain's economic diplomacy, noting that building ties with emerging economies like Nigeria is part of a broader vision to diversify trade partners and open up new global corridors for Bahraini businesses. H.E. reaffirmed the Chamber's commitment to working with both brotherly and friendly nations to strengthen private sector growth and global integration. Investment Potential H.E. Ambassador Jimoh, in turn, spoke about Nigeria's economic reforms and ongoing diversification, positioning the country as an appealing market for foreign investors from Bahrain. He expressed confidence that formal collaboration could unlock win-win opportunities. The meeting was also attended by Second Vice-Chairman Mohammed Al Kooheji, Vice-Treasurer Waleed Kanoo, and Board Member Youssuf Salahuddin. The Chamber is expected to explore next steps in formalising ties with Nigeria in the weeks ahead.
Daily Tribune
29-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
South Korean firms eye Bahrain as gateway to MENA at business forum
Bahrain's business- and investor-friendly environment was hailed as an ideal gateway to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the 7th Bahrain-Korea Business Forum, held yesterday in Manama. The forum brought together over 100 governmental and business representatives from Bahrain and South Korea, underscoring the growing economic partnership between the two nations. Hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in close cooperation with Bahrain's Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Economic Development Board, Bahrain Chamber, and the Bahrain–South Korea Friendship Society, the forum highlighted opportunities for deeper collaboration in sectors such as ICT, smart farming, K-beauty, and food. Speaking at the event, Dr KOO Heonsang, Korean Ambassador to Bahrain, praised Bahrain's efforts toward economic diversification under the Economic Vision 2030. He said Bahrain's business- and investor-friendly environment makes it an ideal gateway to the MENA region. Ambassador KOO also welcomed the upcoming ratification of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, signed last year between Korea and Bahrain. Once in force, the agreement is expected to create a more secure and predictable environment for cross-border investments. Other key speakers included Abdulla Fakhro, Bahrain's Minister of Industry and Commerce; Mohammed Al Kooheji, Second Vice-Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber; and Ahmed bin Hindi, Chairman of the Bahrain–Korea Friendship Society. They all emphasised the strategic importance of strengthening Bahrain-Korea economic cooperation. Since its inception in 2017, the Bahrain-Korea Business Forum has alternated biennially between the two countries. This year's edition witnessed a record turnout of Korean companies, including CJ ENM, Korea Electric Power Corporation, Posco International, and DAESANG, along with leading government agencies such as KOTRA, NIPA, aT, and KOAT—reflecting the deepening of bilateral ties and growing mutual interest in business collaboration.
