HRH Premier opens 'Invest in Bahrain' 2016

Manama, Nov. 2 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has called for investing in new and promising sectors in the kingdom that can stimulate more growth. While patronising the opening ceremony of the "Invest in Bahrain" Forum and Exhibition 2016, HRH the Prime Minister called on investors to take advantage of Bahrain's dynamic economy, investment incentives, business-friendly legislation and solid regulations that protect their rights in seeking new and unconventional opportunities, especially in the midst of the successive facilities provided by the government to encourage investments and attract investors. HRH Premier stressed the importance of the "Invest in Bahrain" Forum and Exhibition in promoting Bahrain's investment opportunities, as well as investors' products and services. It provides an opportunity to highlight the multiple investment opportunities in the kingdom, and paves the way for investors to collect first-hand information about the promising investment sectors and fields, HRH Premier said. "Thanks to its solid bases, the Bahraini economy has succeeded in overcoming many economic challenges and fluctuations which the world has gone through, and we have to constantly develop our tools and legislation to consolidate their ability to ensure the continuity of economic growth that benefits the citizens," the Prime Minister added. HRH the Prime Minister made the statement as he opened open the 11th "Invest in Bahrain 2015" Forum, organised by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIECC). HRH Premier lauded Bahraini investments for the key role they play in supporting the government's efforts in the field of sustainable development, reiterating the government's keenness on putting in place all requirements for a modern flexible, attractive and open investment environment, and on providing facilities that motivate investors to enter the Bahraini market. HRH the Prime Minister affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain has provided, through its multiple investment zones, numerous incentives in the industrial and trade investment field, which, he said, has entitled it to attract foreign capitals whose confidence in the country's ideal environment for various investment fields has been strengthened. The Prime Minister pointed out the government's vision aims to constantly upgrade the investment atmosphere in the kingdom, mainly through developing the legal and legislative system to cope with the global economic and financial changes, and through ensuring easy procedures for starting enterprises and setting up companies. HRH Premier emphasised that the development of infrastructure, logistics services and other incentives provided by the government will increase the kingdom's competitive potential in attracting investments and enhance the high confidence in its status a secure investment hub. HRH the Prime Minister thanked all the organisers of the forum, and wished them every success in building successful partnerships among investors. Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani addressed the forum. He extended deepest appreciation and gratitude to HRH the Prime Minister for his continuos patronage of the event, organised by the ministry to attract investments in the kingdom. He expressed eth ministry's pride in HRH Premier's patronage of the event through which to aims to implement part of his vision on achieving sustainable growth and prosperity for the kingdom through diversifying income sources and promoting investment benefits in all sectors. This is in line with the successful economic policies adopted by the kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and thanks to strong keenness of HRH the Prime Minister, and supervision of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. While highlighting the kingdom's investment advantages and incentives, the minister affirmed that Bahrain is the only country in the region that gives foreign capitals the possibility to fully own the assets and buildings of business companies in the most sectors. Bahrain's organisational competence and financial freedom have significantly contributed to its ranking first regionally and at the level of GCC, and 18th globally in the Economic Freedom Index 2016 issued by the Heritage Foundation. First Deputy President of the Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC) and Chairman of Al-Shariqiya Chamber, Abdulrahman Al-Otaishan, lauded the "Invest in Bahrain" 2016, noting that it provides a platform for investment cooperation, and for being informed about the available investment opportunities in the kingdom which, he said, is an important financial centre thanks to the sound economic policies adopted by its leadership. Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Khalid Al-Moayyad, extended sincere thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for his unwavering support to the private sector, and directives to harness all potentials to improve the business and investment atmosphere and open up more channels for practicing free economic activities.