The Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), in partnership with the Financial Times, orgainsed two panel discussions for UK companies and investors.
The discussions showcased investment opportunities in Bahrain’s manufacturing and logistics sectors, and highlighted flexible regulations, advanced infrastructure, and reputation as a preferred destination for global companies.
Sustainable Development Minister and Bahrain EDB chief executive Noor Al Khulaif attended both sessions, held as part of Bahrain EDB delegation’s visit to the UK.
Moderated by Benjamin Parkin, the Middle East and Africa news editor for the Financial Times, the sessions were attended by leading companies from the logistics and manufacturing sectors in the UK.
Themed ‘Shaping the Next Generation of Manufacturing and Logistics Hubs’, the high-level panellists discussed Bahrain’s strategic investment incentives and the attractive opportunities it offers to international companies, highlighting its advanced transportation and logistics infrastructure, ease of doing business and operational efficiency.
The first panel explored common methodologies for consolidating manufacturing processes, cost-reduction, and accelerating time-to-market. It also focused on the current trend of factories relocating closer to key commodities and regional markets and discussed how firms have adapted to changing global economic dynamics.
Panellists included Morgan Motor Company board chair Steven Armstrong; Microsoft UK’s senior industry adviser for manufacturing Lina Huertas; Brompton Bicycle’s manufacturing engineering head Riddhi Karambelkar; and Bahrain EDB’s manufacturing, transport and logistics business development executive director Ahmed Sultan.
The second session addressed the impact of changes in tariffs or fees, supply chain disruptions and technological advancements, and discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence and sustainability in selecting locations for global logistics centres.
Panellists featured UK Major Ports Group CEO Geraint Evans, and Bahrain EDB business development chief Ali Al Mudaifa.
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