MANAMA, 14 February 2006 — Bahrain’s Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa ibn Salman Al-Khalifa yesterday expressed his optimism that Saudi investments in his country would grow further thanks to the incentives offered by the government.
Opening the first Al-Eqtisadiah forum for Saudi and Bahraini businessmen, the premier emphasized the strong relations between the two Gulf Cooperation Council neighbors.
“These strong ties guarantee success of joint ventures by businessmen of the two countries,” he added.
Prince Faisal ibn Salman, chairman of Saudi Research & Marketing Group (SRMG), attended the opening session of the forum organized by Al-Eqtisadiah business daily, a sister publication of Arab News.
“The forum symbolizes the historic relations between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain,” the premier told the gathering, attended by a large number of men and women business executives from both countries.
“This is a good opportunity to strengthen economic and commercial partnership between the two countries,” Sheikh Khalifa said, emphasizing Bahrain’s desire to extend all facilities to foreign investors.
The premier visited an exhibition staged on the sidelines of the forum where products of 57 Saudi and Bahraini companies are on display.
Prince Faisal said the forum was aimed at achieving three main objectives: Introducing investment opportunities in both countries; encouraging joint ventures; and promoting dialogue and contacts between business leaders.
Essam Abdullah Fakhru, chairman of the Bahraini Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the role being played by Saudi-Bahraini Business Council in boosting joint ventures.
Abdul Rahman Al-Rashid, chairman of the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the forum would create a better atmosphere for constructive dialogue on major issues concerning investors in both countries. “There are a lot of investment opportunities in both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain,” he added.
