Export Bahrain opens

Bahrain’s SME Development board in cooperation with Tamkeen yesterday launched ‘Export Bahrain’ aimed at strengthening the private sector’s role, promote exports and increase the competitive power of local small and medium enterprises. The launch was held in conjunction with the final stage of preparation for the ‘Made in Bahrain’ trademark, which has been approved by MOICT and will soon be used by local businesses to promote Bahraini-made products.

‘Export Bahrain’, according to Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Chairman of the SME Development Board Zayed R. Alzayani, is aimed at increasing exports’ contribution to GDP from 30 per cent to 40pc, increase the share of exports from 8pc to 20pc and increase the number of Bahrainis working in SMEs from 36,000 to 43,000. Export Bahrain will launch programmes to increase export opportunities by establishing a business directory and increase national companies’ export capacities.

Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board (EDB), said: “Export Bahrain will play a major role in increasing domestic exports, an objective that we aim to achieve in the Kingdom.” The Chief Executive of Tamkeen, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Janahi, said that Export Bahrain aims to support local companies that wish to expand into international markets.