Introduction

Introduction

Bahrain is the fastest growing economy in the Arab world according to a recent United Nations report, and was cited in the 2006 Index of Economic Freedom as the freest economy in the Middle East.

Bahrain’s strategic location, coupled with other competitive advantages such as its robust and transparent financial sector, its status as regional leader in digital telecommunications, and its skilled and resourceful workforce, are sustaining the Kingdom’s position as the business gateway to the Gulf.

The government of Bahrain actively encourages foreign investment, acknowledging the role foreign companies and bi-lateral trade can play in its continuing diversification, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

The aim of this prestigious one-day conference, which will bring together senior representatives from government, business and industry, is to build on the long history of friendship between the UK and Bahrain and provide an up-to-date perspective of current and potential bi-lateral trade and investment opportunities across a range of sectors.

“Our relationship is as strong and warm as ever and continues to flourish. This does not mean that I, or this Embassy, will be complacent. There are always new opportunities to strengthen further any relationship, and we will be looking out for them. I particularly want to see an increase in the flow of trade and investment in both directions”.

Jamie Bowden, British Ambassador to Bahrain

Incorporating a focus on Islamic finance:
Acknowledging Bahrain’s status as a recognised leader in Islamic banking and finance, the afternoon of this important event will focus on the potential the rapidly growing Islamic finance sector holds for both Bahrain and the United Kingdom. The conference will also include a workshop designed to inform UK companies about the potential for accessing funding through Islamic finance.
 
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