Record BD305m investment

Manama : Bahrain recorded a massive five-fold increase in FDI inflows in first nine months of 2018 when compared to 2015, as businesses continue to look to Bahrain as the gateway to the $1.5 trillion Gulf economy. When compared to same period last year, the increase in FDI was 138 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, despite global FDI flows falling 23 per cent in 2017 hurt by challenging global economic conditions. 

“However, while we are excited by this success, we will continue to look towards new initiatives to enhance FDI even further. The Kingdom is introducing a number of key regulatory reforms in the coming months, which will ensure the Kingdom remains competitive and business friendly,” said Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive, Bahrain Economic Development Board. He said that the region’s potential is rising with solid investments and a growing number of high-quality jobs for Bahrainis.

According to EDB, a total of 76 companies invested BD305m ($810m) in the Kingdom this year, breaking the 2017 record of 71 companies, and a total investment of BHD276m ($733m).  Investments in 2018 are expected to generate more than 4,200 jobs over the coming three years, of which more than 1,100 will be high-quality jobs (defined as providing a basic monthly salary of more than $ 1,850).