Manama: Bahrain’s major infrastructural, transport and housing projects are major highlight in a special anniversary report produced by the global publishing, research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group (OBG).
The Report: Bahrain 2015 considers the key part that the kingdom’s business-friendly climate continues to play in attracting investors, especially its tax regime, regulatory framework and skilled workforce. The publication, which marks OBG’s tenth year of reporting on the kingdom, also puts the fast-growing sectors of Bahrain’s economy under the microscope, including Islamic finance and pharmaceuticals.
Efforts to increase support for the advancement of Bahrain’s female population, which are being led by the Supreme Council for Women, are another focus of OBG’s new investment guide. The Report: Bahrain 2015 also looks at the fiscal challenges that the kingdom faces, most notably in its bid to balance public spending with lower global oil prices.
OBG’s latest publication contains a contribution from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, together with a detailed, sector-by-sector guide for investors. It also features a wide range of interviews with leading representatives, including Minister of Finance Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and the Minister of Energy Dr Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza.
In addition, international personalities, such as the Secretary-General of the Association of South-East Asian Nations Le Luong Minh, the Secretary-General of the GCC Abdul Latif Al Zayani and the Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang give their views on Bahrain’s international trade development.
Andrew Jeffreys, OBG’s CEO, said that the advantage Bahrain had given itself as a preferred investment destination by moving to diversify its economy ahead of other regional markets was well documented. “However, our research showed that boosting non-oil GDP growth further and making additional fiscal adjustments will be key to the kingdom’s future economic success,” he said. “The government’s $22b infrastructure investment plan and Bahrain’s regional role will be pivotal in this respect.”
Managing Director Jana Treeck agreed that OBG’s anniversary report on Bahrain had highlighted the important part earmarked for transport and real estate projects, particularly affordable housing, in driving new growth. “The regional rail link and expansion of the causeway between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, announced in September, are expected to enhance the flow of goods and labour, supporting efforts to position the kingdom as a key entry point,” she said. “These, and other big ticket projects, will reassure investors that even with a national drive to double oil production under way, Bahrain is maintaining the focus on non-hydrocarbon growth, in line with its Vision 2030 development plan.”
The Report: Bahrain 2015 marks the culmination of over 10 months of field research by a team of analysts from OBG. The publication assesses trends and developments across the economy, including macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments.