The Bahrain Economic Development Board recently concluded a visit to the United States to promote investment opportunities. The trip included four roundtable sessions as part of ‘The Transformation Agenda’ series and meetings with US-based companies in financial services, ICT, and manufacturing. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB, led the trip and emphasized the strategic relationship between Bahrain and the US. She highlighted Bahrain’s strategic location, regulatory environment, and skilled workforce as key factors attracting US investments.
During the visit, Bahrain EDB hosted events programmed by Economist Impact in Austin, Texas, and New York City. Alkhulaif participated in discussions in New York on best practices for financial institutions in adopting digital assets and building resilience in global supply chains. The recent signing of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement aims to promote cooperation in defence, security, trade, and technology between Bahrain and the US. The establishment of the US Trade Zone in Bahrain has further boosted trade between the two countries.
The Free Trade Agreement between Bahrain and the US, signed in 2006, has led to significant growth in non-oil trade between the two countries. US exports to Bahrain increased by 84% from 2020 to 2023, reaching USD 2 billion. Several US companies have established operations in Bahrain, including Amazon Web Services, Mondelez, and Citi, showcasing Bahrain as a prime regional investment destination. These companies have invested in various sectors, from technology to manufacturing, contributing to Bahrain’s economic growth.
The visit to the US aimed to strengthen cooperation between Bahrain and US investors, foster knowledge exchange on industry trends, and promote the Kingdom as an attractive investment destination. The roundtable sessions and panel discussions focused on topics such as digital assets, global supply chains, talent development, and future industry trends. Bahrain’s strategic location, favourable regulatory environment, and skilled workforce were highlighted as key factors attracting US investments.
Alkhulaif emphasized the importance of the US market for Bahrain EDB and highlighted the long-standing strategic and commercial relationship between the two countries. The signing of agreements to enhance multilateral cooperation and establish key investment projects further solidifies the partnership between Bahrain and the US. By encouraging increased investments and boosting exports, Bahrain aims to enhance its economic position and achieve sustainable growth. The success of initiatives like the US Trade Zone underscores Bahrain’s attractiveness as a regional investment hub.
