The strategic location of the Kingdom of Bahrain offers great opportunities for the businessmen in Kerala, as it opens up avenues to expand their business in the Middle East and North African countries. Bahrain also offers a hassle-free business environment, with a highly-liberal tax structure.
This was the message from the 25 delegates from Bahrain, who were in Kochi to take part in the business-to-business meet organised as part of the visit of Baharin Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa to Kerala. The meet was held at the Le Meridien convention centre here on Monday.
Mohammed A Dadabhai, chairman, Dadabhai Group, said that Bahrain offers excellent economic and social incentives for the business community, especially for Malayalis.
“The country has an Indian population of around four lakh and majority of them are from Kerala. The Malayali community plays an active role in enhancing trade between India and Bahrain, and we look forward to strengthen the ties between both the countries,” he said at the meet. He added that education, healthcare, transportation and tourism are the key areas in which Bahrain is looking for more investment.
“Since the country has a strategic geographical position, businessmen from Kerala can easily branch out to other countries in the Gulf region,” he pointed out.
E M Najeeb, chairman, ATE Group, which runs two hospitals in Bahrain, said that the country offers great opportunities in several sectors.
“Bahrain Economic Development Board is the body which facilitates business between both the countries. The members of the board came to Kerala three months ago and held discussions with the government representatives and CII officials. It is easy to do business in Bahrain as the procedures are simple and fast,” he added. Bahrain is located between two of the wealthiest countries in the Gulf region, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, making it an excellent business destination, he said.