The Banks in Bahrain reception was organised by the Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) in association with Financial Times Business (FTB), attracted over 400 guests to the prestigious Kaikan Tokyo including representatives of many Japanese Institutions that are looking to invest in Bahrain.
The reception was attended by members of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation to the IMF/World Bank meetings, led by Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance, Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), and Abdulkarim Bucheery, Chief Executive of BBK and Chairman of BAB. Also attending were the ministers of finance of three countries and five central bank governors as well as chairmen and chief executives of major banking groups, diplomats, businessmen, and the media.
“The reception in Tokyo comes at an opportune time as the two countries celebrate 40 years of formal diplomatic relations this year. It also follows on from the state visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Japan in April that resulted in the signing of a number of important Memorandums of Understanding and a successful Bahrain trade exhibition,” Bucheery, said.
“The main objective of the reception is to promote Bahrain to an international financial audience and create a prestigious modern presence highlighting Bahrain’s exceptional status as a regional financial leader in the Middle East. The reception is an excellent networking opportunity that offered an attractive Place to further mutual business interest,” he added.
The event was supported by the CBB and sponsors included Ahli United Bank, Arab Banking Corporation, BBK, BMI Bank, GIB, Investcorp, Ithmaar Bank, NBB, and United Gulf Bank. The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and Tamkeen were involved as strategic partners while BFX was the Financial Exchange Sponsor. Al Baraka and Bahrain Islamic Bank were travel and gift sponsors. Many representatives of the sponsors were present at the reception and had the opportunity to discuss important business matters with the wide range of guests from numerous countries.
“One of our primary missions is to promote the financial sector in Bahrain both regionally and internationally. It is due to the continuous support of and the sponsorship of our active members that we are able to fulfil the objectives set by our Board of Trustees and all our members,” Robert Ainey, the Chief Executive of BAB, said.
“With this in mind, guests received copies of BAB’s quarterly publication The Bahrain Banker and were updated about BAB’s many activities throughout the year.”
This was BAB’s sixth reception held to coincide with the IMF/World Bank annual meetings. The next one is scheduled to return to Washington DC in October 2012.