Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive, EDB spoke to Roy Varghese on the sidelines of the recently concluded GCC Financial Forum 2017, Manama, Bahrain about the 10 year-old quasi agency and its way forward. Excerpts:
What is EDB’s role in boosting the economy of Bahrain?
We focus on several economic sectors which capitalise on Bahrain’s competitive advantages and provide significant investment opportunities. These sectors include financial services, professional services, manufacturing, ICT, logistics and transport. The financial service sector comprises approximately one-quarter of the GDP. Therefore, the EDB works to support the continued growth of the banking industry and key sub-sectors, including Islamic finance, insurance, re-insurance, asset management and wealth management.
We (EDB) also played a pivotal role in a number of important recent initiatives. These include establishing the Gulf’s first Free Trade Agreement with the United States, Bahrain’s hosting of the Middle East’s first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix, bringing about the privatisation law, particularly in power generation which started the process of the Government shifting from operator to eventually being a regulator, as well as becoming the first country in the Arab world to fully liberalise its telecom industry. Bahrain boasts unrivalled access to the markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, along with the wider MENA region.
What are your areas of focus now and reasons for that?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Is Leadership Without Hierarchies Possible?
LEADERSHIP IN THE current era is more challenging than ever before.
The Rise and Evolution of Coffee Culture in India
AS A BANGALORE native, South Indian filter ‘Kaapi’ has always been a significant part of our tradition.
The Daily Ground Goes Desi
Success in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities hinges on several key factors, with one of the most important being the ability to offer high-quality products at an accessible price point
Cracking The Indian Code
TARUN JAIN, CEO of Tim Hortons India believes in creating an experience at cafes by blending global quality, local flavours and affordability
Making Coffee the New Chai in India
Affordable, great-tasting coffee made fast-abCoffee is reshaping how India drinks coffee
Scripting A New Era Of Coffee In India
From a bootstrapped startup to international expansion, NOTHING BEFORE COFFEE is brewing its way to the top by challenging the giants of the coffee industry with innovation, personalisation, and sustainability
"Driven By A Younger Demographic, Coffee Culture Is On The Upswing"
SUNIL D'SOUZA, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Consumer Products, discusses the company's strategic growth in India's booming coffee market, focusing on premiumisation, innovation, and expanding consumer experiences both at home and in cafés, in this exclusive conversation with BW Businessworld's Tarannum Manjul
Fresh Brew, Big Ambitions
From startups to stores, Beanly's Samayesh Khanna and Rahul Jain elevate India's coffee culture by making freshly brewed coffee a daily delight
"On Track To Become India's Top Café Chain"
In an exclusive interview, RAJAT AGRAWAL, CEO of Barista Coffee, shared insights on the company's current market position, expansion strategies, and its response to growing competition
"Ensuring A Seamless Coffee Experience Outside The Cafe Is The Next Big Thing To Watch Out For"
In an exclusive conversation with BW Businessworld's Resham Suhail, Third Wave Coffee CEO RAJAT LUTHRA and its Co-founder AYUSH BATHWAL delve on how they are navigating the competitive landscape, going beyond retail and tapping changing consumer preferences