Located on the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain is one of the smallest members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It has benefited from an oil boom in the 1970s and 80s, and has continued to grow with a focus on diversification and innovation. It has a highly skilled workforce and offers an excellent business environment. However, some have questioned the country’s business-friendly credentials.
Bahrain’s business environment is shaped by its government. The government provides a conducive environment for FDI and encourages investment in the non-oil sectors. This includes attracting investment to the financial services sector, the ICT sector, and the logistics sector. In addition, the GOB issued new laws in 2018 to strengthen the country’s legal environment. These laws include the health insurance law, the bankruptcy law, and the personal data protection law. These laws aim to improve the country’s business environment.
While Bahrain has a comparatively small domestic market, there are also opportunities for investment in the GCC market. There is a growing commercial credit market in Bahrain, which is driven by the government’s bond issuances. The EDB provides continuous support to clients to help them develop feasibility studies and enter the Bahraini market. The EDB also coordinates with government agencies during the registration process.
The government of Bahrain has been working to ensure that the economy continues to grow and diversify. It has a Vision 2030 that aims to continue developing the country’s society and economy. It also has plans to cement Bahrain as a regional center for global trade in knowledge. Its economic strengths include a highly skilled workforce, a diverse economy, and a low cost of doing business.
In addition, the Government of Bahrain has introduced a number of small business growth schemes to support homegrown entrepreneurs. It has also provided loans to local entrepreneurs. It is eager to develop a legal framework to support investment.
There are several potential investment opportunities in Bahrain, including a number of high-rise commercial properties, such as training centers and high-rise residential properties. Expatriates may also own land in designated areas. They may also own properties used for financial and banking purposes.