Bahrain's Finance Minister Highlights Economic Diversification at World Government Summit 2025

TDT | Dubai

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Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, actively participated in key discussions at the World Government Summit 2025 held in Dubai. His engagements included a series of meetings and dialogue sessions focusing on economic diversification, sustainability, and regional cooperation within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

During a session organized by the General Secretariat of the GCC on "Structural Developments and Economic Diversification and Their Impact on Sustainability in Light of the National Visions of the GCC States," Shaikh Salman emphasized the importance of sustained implementation of economic strategies. He highlighted how the shared aspirations and strategic visions of GCC nations have strengthened economic resilience and competitiveness at various levels.

He further elaborated on Bahrain’s success in increasing direct investments and diversifying income sources by enhancing key sectors crucial to the nation's economic growth. These efforts, he noted, have reinforced Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in economic development.

In a joint session between the UAE Ministry of Finance and the GCC General Secretariat titled "Enhancing Resilience: Shaping the Future of the GCC Economy in Light of Regional and Global Challenges," Shaikh Salman stressed the need to invest in human capital. He underscored the role of developing emerging sectors to boost economic diversification, accelerate non-oil GDP growth, and promote stronger partnerships between public and private sectors.

During another discussion, "The Rise of the New Industrial Policy," Shaikh Salman reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to fostering international economic cooperation. He highlighted Bahrain’s infrastructure development efforts and its conducive business environment, which have propelled the country to the top spot in the Middle East and North Africa for trade, investment, and financial freedom for the third consecutive year in 2024. He also emphasized the necessity of government policies that support key industries, ensuring that investments translate into sustainable economic growth.

Furthermore, the minister took part in a high-level ministerial meeting organized by the UAE Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), titled "Reimagining the Future of Multilateral Cooperation and the Fund for the Future." Here, he stressed the significance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global economic challenges. He pointed out that leveraging opportunities in artificial intelligence and financial technology is essential for sustainable economic development amid evolving geopolitical landscapes.

Shaikh Salman’s participation at the summit reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to regional economic advancement, emphasizing innovation, strategic investments, and strengthened international collaboration as pillars for long-term growth.