Bahrain is actively courting French investment, hosting a high-level business delegation from France this week.
Organised by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) in partnership with MEDEF, France’s leading network of entrepreneurs, the two-day visit aims to showcase the kingdom’s attractive investment climate and foster stronger economic ties between the two nations.
The delegation’s itinerary includes exclusive business events and strategic meetings with key players from Bahrain’s public and private sectors. Discussions revolve around exploring mutually beneficial opportunities across several priority sectors, including financial services, manufacturing, ICT, logistics, and tourism.
Bahrain EDB has facilitated meetings with influential entities such as the Ministries of Oil and Environment, Transportation and Telecommunications, Tourism, and Industry and Commerce, as well as the Central Bank of Bahrain, Tamkeen, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Mumtalakat, Bapco Energies, the French Embassy, the Bahrain Chamber, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bahrain, and BNP Paribas.
The focus on attracting French investment builds on already strong economic ties. Bahrain is currently home to numerous prominent French companies, including BNP Paribas, Nextcare, Fives Solios, Thales, Accor, Egis International, and Veolia. Bilateral non-oil trade has also witnessed significant growth, surging 27 per cent from $334 million in 2019 to over $425m in 2022.
This initiative comes as Bahrain enjoys considerable success in attracting foreign direct investment. In 2024 alone, the Bahrain EDB has secured over $1.8 billion in direct investment from 99 local and international projects, a figure projected to generate more than 7,400 jobs over the next three years.
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