President Aoun visits Bahrain EDB and explores investment opportunities

TDT | Manama

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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) in Bahrain Bay during his official visit to the Kingdom yesterday, underscoring growing economic ties between Bahrain and Lebanon.

President Aoun and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Finance and National Economy, His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

The visit focused on Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy, attract foreign investment, and position itself as a regional gateway.

President Aoun was briefed on Bahrain’s government work mechanism, the Kingdom’s economic performance, and its achievements in sustainable growth and economic transformation.

Economic landscape

Shaikh Salman described the visit as an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into Bahrain’s evolving economic landscape under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He outlined the strategic plans led by the EDB to support national economic goals and foster long-term growth.

President Aoun expressed admiration for Bahrain’s economic resilience and forward-looking vision, emphasising the potential for future collaboration between the two countries’ private sectors. H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the EDB, presented an overview of the EDB’s role in attracting global investors.

She highlighted Bahrain’s competitive advantages, such as ease of doing business, skilled workforce, and modern infrastructure.

The Minister also noted the EDB’s ongoing efforts to support company formation, expansion, and investor success.

Exports

Bahrain’s exports to Lebanon crossed the $5.5 million mark in the first four months of 2025, extending a stretch of steady trade growth between the two countries.

By the end of April, shipments from Bahrain to the Lebanese market reached $5,517,000, according to data from the Information and eGovernment Authority.

This followed a total of $11.86 million in non-oil exports to Lebanon during 2024.

Goods sent to Lebanon included cooked and processed cheeses, powdered mixes used for table cream, cardboard boxes, scented paper bags, aluminium trays, foil rolls, and wire.

The mix of exports points to a wider base of production within Bahrain’s non-oil sector, with a growing list of consumer and industrial items now finding a place in regional markets.

Lebanon remains one of them. Trade links between the two have held firm for years, and both sides appear to be building on that. Data suggests that Bahrain aims to push its products further into neighbouring markets while offering more space for its private firms to expand abroad.

Trade between the two countries is expected to keep climbing as both look to make conditions easier for business and investment.