Bahraini business delegation visits China
Manama : A high-level Bahraini business delegation has arrived in China on a visit organised by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) aiming to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
The visit follows an invitation to participate in the China High Trade Fair presented by Xu Qin, Mayor of Shenzhen during his visit to Bahrain in September this year.
The current visit also follows the official visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in September 2013, and two successful business roadshows held in 2014 and 2015.
The Bahraini delegation consists of senior officials from the Capital Governorate, the EDB, Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, Osool and several representatives from the private sector.
In addition to attending several important events in the technology sector, business forums, and a number of meetings with high-level officials from Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the delegation will take part at the China High Tech Fair, the most prominent high-end technology event in China.
The fair, which is organised annually by several Chinese ministries and government agencies, highlights the latest trends in China’s technology sector and plays an important role in the implementation of the national development strategies for China.
Capital Governor Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, who is the head of the Bahraini delegation, said, “High-level visits between the two countries emphasise the continuous efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and encourage mutual cooperation.”
Bahrain as GCC startup hub
Commenting on the visit, EDB Chief Executive Khalid Al Rumaihi said, “This visit to Shenzhen and Hong Kong takes the EDB’s efforts to the next level in terms of attracting Chinese investment and strengthening the partnership between the Bahraini and Chinese business communities.
“Bahrain is aiming to operate as the startup hub for the GCC region, and with more Chinese businesses on board, it will drive robust growth for the tech sector in the GCC,” he added.
The EDB prioritises developing and attracting investment to sectors that offer competitive advantages for investors such as Financial Services, ICT, Tourism, Manufacturing, Transportation and Logistics Services and to create high-quality jobs for Bahrainis.
This is the third consecutive year that a Bahrain delegation has visited China and Hong Kong to strengthen economic ties.
Last year, Bahrain was the guest country of honour at the China International Fair for Investment & Trade, and the delegation visited several of China’s commercial centres, signing a total of 15 agreements.
In 2014 the delegation conducted a 10-day visit to China and Hong Kong during which 13 MoUs were signed with Chinese businesses and trade organisations.
Non-oil trade between Bahrain and China was valued at around US$1.8 million in 2015. Mechanical and electrical equipment, represent the largest imports to Bahrain, while chemicals were the leading exports to China that same year.
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