FINANCE and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa has highlighted the vital role small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play in driving national development and achieving key economic goals.
He underlined Bahrain’s continued efforts to adopt policies that foster a supportive investment environment, contributing to the growth of the SMEs and advancing economic diversification.
Bahrain is committed to developing its digital financial infrastructure in line with advanced, innovation-based technologies, he told the Global Inclusive Growth Summit (GIGS) 2025, hosted by Mastercard in Washington, DC, yesterday.
Shaikh Salman said these efforts support economic advancement and enhance the quality of financial services, underpinned by initiatives that promote digital transformation.
He underscored the importance of investing in human capital to cultivate a generation with the drive for excellence in fields such as finance and business.
The minister also highlighted the private sector’s contribution to national development.
He commended the role of the Labour Fund ‘Tamkeen’ in supporting economic growth by strengthening the private sector, developing local enterprises and enhancing the skills and employability of Bahraini citizens.
These efforts align with the directives of Tamkeen board of directors chairman Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and include the implementation of tailored programmes to meet labour market needs.
Shaikh Salman also underlined that the partnership between Tamkeen and the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth aims to empower Bahraini SMEs through access to digital and financial tools, including artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
On the sidelines of the summit, the minister met Queen Máxima of the Netherlands; Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach, vice chairman John Huntsman and the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth president Shamina Singh.
The summit was also attended by Central Bank of Bahrain Governor Khalid Humaidan, Bahrain’s Ambassador to the US Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa and several officials.
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