The European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bahrain (EuroCham Bahrain) is set to officially mark its launch next month, serving as a major catalyst for bilateral trade, investment, and cross-border commercial ties between the kingdom and European Union (EU) member states.
Speaking at a reception hosted at his Saar residence, German Ambassador Henning Simon announced that while the chamber officially began operations on September 15, its formal launch ceremony will take place on October 14.
The event will be held in the presence of EU Special Representative for the Gulf Region Luigi Di Maio and a visiting European Parliament delegation.
“The initiative is aimed at attracting European companies not only to trade with GCC countries, but also to drive mutual investment,” Mr Simon said. “We are equally keen on facilitating GCC investments into Europe.”
The chamber has secured an independent Commercial Registration (CR) from Bahraini authorities, operating as a distinct entity rather than an extension of diplomatic missions. Headed by general manager Sherin Fakoussa, EuroCham Bahrain will serve as a direct bridge linking local business leaders with counterparts across EU nations.
While backed by resident and non-resident EU embassies, the initiative is designed specifically as a business-to-business platform.
Ambassador Simon highlighted recent high-level engagements, including a delegation of seven non-resident EU ambassadors who met with senior Bahraini leadership – including Sustainable Development Minister and Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) chief executive Noor Al Khulaif – to explore avenues for workforce development, industrial growth, and joint ventures.
The ambassador noted that European firms can build upon the strong track record of around 40 German companies currently operating in the kingdom.
Firms such as BASF and RMA utilise Bahrain as a regional manufacturing base, while logistics giants like DHL leverage the kingdom’s hub capabilities to service 23 countries across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.
The diplomatic gathering saw Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam attending as guest of honour and welcomed a high-profile European Parliament delegation for relations with the Arabian Peninsula, led by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Reinhold Lopatka, alongside Spanish MEP Juan Fernando López Aguilar and Polish MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski.
Senior representatives from Bahrain’s Parliament, diplomats, government officials and representatives of various public and private sector organisations also attended.
Marking its second visit to the kingdom in four months, the delegation held high-level discussions with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mr Al Musallam, Shura Council Chairman Ali Al Saleh and officials at the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance.
Discussions focussed on deepening Bahrain–EU relations, advancing political dialogue, and exploring avenues for enhanced economic and institutional engagement. Key issues on the agenda included prospects for a Strategic Partnership Agreement between Bahrain and the EU, progress towards an EU–GCC Free Trade Agreement, and preparations for the upcoming EU–GCC Summit in Riyadh on October 24, where key economic and security frameworks are on the agenda.
“The EU and GCC countries have been speaking for quite a while about a free trade agreement — something our businesses will definitely profit from in both directions due to much lower tariffs and customs once the agreement is signed,” Mr Simon added. “It probably will not be signed in Riyadh, but hopefully, a little bit later. I’m sure that our heads of state and government will make good progress here.”
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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