Bahraini Delegation Embarks on Strategic Investment Promotion Visit to Italy

TDT | Manama

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An official Bahraini delegation, led by His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, has commenced a three-day visit to the Italian Republic, covering the cities of Rome, Parma, and Milan. The visit aims to host a series of curated business events and official meetings with key figures from both the public and private sectors, to strengthen economic and trade relations between Bahrain and Italy, and showcase the Kingdom’s wide-ranging investment opportunities.

The delegation will highlight Bahrain’s priority sectors — including financial services, information and communication technology, manufacturing, logistics, and tourism — positioning the Kingdom as an attractive destination for Italian investors.

The Bahraini delegation includes Her Excellency Ms. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB); Mr. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB); Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company; Mr. Hamad Al Mahmeed, Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office; Mr. Ali AlMudaifa, Chief Business Development Officer at the EDB; Mr. Mohammed AlAlawi, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at the EDB; Mr. Ugo Vincenzini, Advisor to the EDB Chief Executive; and Mr. Mohammed AlMadani, Director of Industry, Logistics, and Transportation at the EDB.

The visit reflects Bahrain’s strategic focus on attracting foreign investment to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and reinforce its position as a competitive regional hub for international business. It also reaffirms Bahrain’s commitment to deepening its longstanding partnership with Italy through mutually beneficial economic collaboration.

Bahrain and Italy share a robust history of economic and trade relations, dating back to 1973. Recent developments include granting Italy partner status for Bahrain’s sea-air freight services. Bilateral trade has continued to grow, with non-oil trade volume reaching USD 775 million in 2024. Additionally, the two nations have signed agreements focused on investment protection and the equal treatment of port and berth taxes.

Several prominent Italian companies have already established a strong presence in Bahrain, leveraging its strategic location and business-friendly environment. These include Barilla, the renowned Italian pasta producer, which has set up a regional office in Bahrain to support its expansion into the Middle East and North Africa, and Racing Force, a leading motorsport equipment manufacturer, which has expanded its Bahrain operations to meet growing global demand for Bell Racing helmets.

With its exceptional connectivity to regional and global markets, advanced digital infrastructure, and highly competitive operational costs, Bahrain presents significant investment opportunities for Italian businesses seeking growth across the Middle East and beyond.