The Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) today (February 26) hosted a high-level business delegation from France as part of a two-day visit organised by the investment promotion agency in collaboration with MEDEF, the first network for entrepreneurs in France. 

 

With an overall aim of showcasing Bahrain’s investment landscape, the visit is set to comprise exclusive business events and strategic meetings with representatives from Bahrain’s public and private sectors, where the discussions will focus on sharing value-adding business opportunities across priority sectors, namely financial services, manufacturing, ICT, logistics, and tourism.

 

Additionally designed to strengthen investment ties between the two countries, as part of the visit Bahrain EDB organised meetings with key entities including the Ministry of Oil & Environment, the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications,  the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce,  the Central Bank of Bahrain, Tamkeen, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, Mumtalakat, Bapco Energies, the French Embassy to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bahrain and BNP Paribas.

 

Bahrain is home to a number of leading French companies, including BNP Paribas, Nextcare, Fives Solios, Thales, Accor, Egis International and Veolia. 

 

The non-oil trade between Bahrain and France has seen remarkable growth, increasing by 27% from $334 million in 2019 to over $425 million in 2022. 

 

In 2024, Bahrain EDB successfully attracted over $1.8 billion in direct investment from 99 local and international projects. These investments are projected to create over 7,400 employment opportunities over a three-year period..-TradeArabia News Service