Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) board member Jawad Yusuf Al-Hawaj and Chief Executive Officer Nabeel Abdulrahman Al-Mahmoud held key talks with a delegation representing the he China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).
Officials representing the Chinese Ambassador to Bahrain also attend the session of talks at Beit Al-Tejjar. The BCCI officials stressed Bahrain’s credentials as global financial centre, citing particularly its strategic geographic location as a gateway to the GCC and the region in addition to is streamlined investments legislations.
According to updated figures released by the Central Informatics Organisation (CIO), the volume of trade exchanges between Bahrain and China topped $1.7 billion in 2011. The Bahraini representatives stressed the Kingdom’s keen interest in bolstering economic relations and boosting joint investment ventures, pointing out the need to seize untapped opportunities.
They stressed the importance of operating direct flights to different Chinese cities and provinces and exchanging high-profile business delegations, including corporate representatives to enhance the volume of trade exchanges and explore investment opportunities.
The Chinese delegation hailed the recent visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to China, which was a catalyst boosting bilateral cooperation. They hailed the climate of tolerance, co-existence and openness prevailing in Bahrain, reiterating their country’s keen interest in developing joint cooperation. The delegation also extended an invitation to the chamber and the private sector to take part in the forthcoming China-Arab States Expo, scheduled to be held in the first quarter of next year.