BIIP paving way for mass employment

Companies within the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) are generating direct employment opportunities of over 5,000 positions, with this expected to surpass 10,000 as these companies scale up and reach full capacity. According to a recent study by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, on average, the local employment rate was 26 per cent and climbing. FDI projects offered, the study finds, significant knock-on benefits through high-quality positions, knowledge transfer and a high rate of employment of local Bahrainis.

Companies like BASF have over 70 per cent locals employed and Mondelez over 35pc. This came during a meeting of the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed R. Al Zayani with Ronan Deignan, Managing Director of International Development Ireland (IDI) on ending the collaboration between the Ministry and IDI, who were appointed to manage and promote BIIP. “BIIP is strong evidence of the commitment of Bahrain to its Vision 2030 strategy and the industrial diversification of the economy,” said Deignan. “I am confident that the strong partnership and knowledge sharing established over this time will underpin BIIP and Bahrain’s success into the future,” he added.

Alzayani acknowledged IDI Ireland for successfully collaborating with the Ministry in the development and management of BIIP over the past 15 years. “We are now confident that the time has come for Bahraini talent to take over and continue on the success path set forth”. The Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP), was established in 2005 by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism as the Kingdom’s flagship strategic site to attract multinational and export-orientated indigenous companies to locate manufacturing and professional services in Bahrain.

Today BIIP has secured an investment of some $2billion with 111 companies located in the Park from locations like US, Europe, India and China and others. Products manufactured in BIIP are exported to over 25 countries, which includes locations like USA and Australia. The most recent addition of Arla Foods, the 4th largest Dairy Company in the world, is a further endorsement of the success of Park. The Ministry and IDI efforts were recognized internationally when the Park was awarded the World’s Top 25 Parks of the Future Award by the FDI Magazine/FT Business awards in 2010.