The Economic Development Board (EDB) on Monday received a visiting French delegation from Schiltigheim City on a one-week visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The delegation comprising representatives from the French training and construction sectors will meet officials from Bahrain’s private and public sectors.
During their visit to the EDB, members of the delegation learned about the investment opportunities that Bahrain offers, as well as the economic strengths of the Kingdom which include a free economy, modern infrastructure, well-educated local workforce and its proximity to the $1.6 trillion GCC market – factors that secured the Kingdom’s prominent ranking as a competitive economy.
Commenting on the visit, Kamal bin Ahmed, the Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the EDB said:
"Visits such as this present an opportunity for us to showcase the competitive strengths of Bahrain’s economy and the openness its business environment provides to investors from all around the globe. Bahrain receives many similar visits and tours by delegates coming from key international economies who see Bahrain as an ideal destination to establish their businesses, and access regional markets."
The delegation members are also scheduled to attend seminars at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Tamkeen.
A number of leading French companies operate from Bahrain, including BNP Paribas, Axa Insurance, and Credit Agricole. The volume of trade exchange between Bahrain and France increased to $648 million in 2011 from $370 million in 2008.