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?
Denne historien er fra March 20, 2017-utgaven av Businessworld.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 20, 2017-utgaven av Businessworld.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Gauging Trumponomics For India
Despite some shortto mediumterm headwinds in trade and immigration, the broader Indo-US vision of counterbalancing China’s influence is expected to ensure continued cooperation under Trump 2.0
Reflections on Consciousness and Creation
Indian-American DEEPAK CHOPRA on the nature of the universe, the digital fabric of existence, and the power of a conscious mind
MORE TAKE TO DRIVING IN STYLE
High-end luxury vehicles are no longer part of a niche market, but a rapidly expanding segment of automobile sales, driven by changing consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes and better infrastructure
India's Growing Affinity for Swiss Watches: A Luxury on the Rise
NDIA'S ROBUST ECONOMIC growth, projected to exceed 6 per cent in 2024 and 2025, is fostering a rising demand for aspirational products. As disposable incomes increase, particularly among the expanding middle class, luxury goods such as Swiss-made watches are gaining popularity.
An ENRiching Outlook
KPMG's latest report shows energy CEOs being optimistic about the sector's outlook. ANISH DE, Global Head, ENRC, KPMG speaks to BW Businessworld's Arjun Yadav on what's driving this confidence
Paving the Path to a Sustainable Future
Salesforce's ESG journey has made an impact beyond the company. SUNYA NORMAN, SVP of ESG Strategy and Engagement at Salesforce, shares more on how the tech giant integrates sustainability into its core operations, supporting global goals while empowering employees
LEADERSHIP TRANSITION AT XIAOMI INDIA
Xiaomi India is experiencing a leadership evolution, beginning with Muralikrishnan B's departure as President by the end of 2024. This change underscores Xiaomi's shift towards nurturing local talent amidst dynamic global shifts. The story tracks key transitions from Manu Kumar Jain's leadership to Muralikrishnan B's impactful tenure, along with recent strategic hires, highlighting Xiaomi's alignment towards market adaptability and consumer focus
WEAVING SUSTAINABILITY
Once a modest home textile manufacturer, Jindal Worldwide has evolved into a vertically integrated textile powerhouse, spanning critical segments of the yarn and fabric value chain
FORCE FOR GOOD
FY24 saw capacity expansions for Century Enka in nylon and polyester segments, along with investments in modernisation, renewable energy, and safety initiatives
REIMAGINING TOMORROW
For V-Guard, tomorrow signifies progress, driven by today's actions, setting the foundation for future growth and value creation for all stakeholders
