Export Bahrain Strengthens Global Trade Ties at the 9th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong 2024

TDT | Manama

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Export Bahrain participated as part of a high-level Bahraini delegation at the 9th Belt and Road Summit, hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in September 2024. This prestigious summit convened global leaders, business executives, and policymakers under the theme "Building a Connected, Innovative, and Green Belt and Road," providing a vital platform for exploring collaboration and investment opportunities across the Belt and Road Initiative.

Recognized as a premier forum for enhancing connectivity, innovation, and sustainable development, the Belt and Road Summit united key decision-makers, corporate leaders, and investors to forge strategic partnerships and explore new investment avenues. Discussions centered on critical areas such as infrastructure, financial services, green technologies, and sustainable growth, aligning with Bahrain’s vision for a diversified economy.

Export Bahrain played a pivotal role at the main exhibition of the summit, utilizing this opportunity to showcase trade prospects and reinforce its commitment to fostering the international growth of Bahraini businesses. Export Bahrain was represented by Chief Executive Officer Ms. Safa Sharif AbdulKhaleq, engaging in numerous meetings with stakeholders and held high-level discussions with key counterparts from Hong Kong, including the HKTDC, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Invest Hong Kong, the Chinese Manufacturing Association, Yaw Kai Financial Group, and AS Watson Group, among others specializing in energy, metals, and plastics. These discussions underscored Bahrain’s investment opportunities and aimed to strengthen bilateral trade relations.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry & Commerce and Chairman of Export Bahrain, remarked, “Our engagement at the 9th Belt and Road Summit is a strategic move to bolster Bahrain's global trade alliances and advance our economic diversification agenda. By leveraging this platform, Export Bahrain is not only creating pathways for Bahraini businesses to access new markets but also reinforcing Bahrain's strategic role as a central hub for international trade and investment."

Ms. Safa Sharif Abdulkhaliq, Export Bahrain Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Our participation in the Belt and Road Summit marks a significant step toward deepening economic ties between Bahrain and Hong Kong. By collaborating on innovative solutions and sustainable practices, we seek to unlock new investment opportunities that will benefit both nations and enhance regional connectivity."

Additionally, on the sidelines of the summit, Export Bahrain reached a significant milestone by facilitating the participation of four Bahraini fashion businesses at CENTRESTAGE (Asia's Fashion Spotlight) Hong Kong 2024, along with the Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair. Export Bahrain also supported a Bahraini business “Nuun Official Watches” in its participation at the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair.

The Bahraini delegation included over 10 representatives from both the public and private sectors, encompassing Export Bahrain, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Economic Development Board, and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), alongside representatives from various business sectors and leading business associations in Bahrain. This robust representation underscores Bahrain's commitment to fostering international partnerships and enhancing its global trade footprint.