Bahraini firms reach 102 markets as exports top $1.3bn

TDT | Manama

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Bahraini firms working with ‘Export Bahrain’ have reached 102 markets worldwide, as first-time exporters made up 17pc of those using its schemes.

The figures showed total exports had passed $1.3 billion. Overseas sales worth over $8m were made through the ‘International Sales Initiative’, while e-commerce trade worth $513,000 was also eased through its work.

‘Export Bahrain’ said 14pc of firms using its services had entered new markets. It also held 129 online sessions and workshops and drew up over 100 reports through its export market intelligence work, aimed at helping Bahraini firms weigh moves overseas.

Women-led firms made up 30pc of the businesses served, while youth-led firms made up 20pc. Services firms accounted for 20pc of exporters.

Its schemes helped 87 products and services reach overseas buyers and led to 65 local and foreign partnerships, as Bahrain seeks a wider reach for its goods and services abroad.

The figures come as Bahrain’s small and medium-sized business sector grows. Registered SMEs reached about 85,700 by the end of 2025, making up 93.4pc of all firms in the kingdom and employing over 47,000 Bahrainis.

Funding for the sector includes the $185m ‘SME Fund’. The ‘Al Waha Fund of Funds’ has also invested over $100m since 2018, with 95pc of its allocated funds now invested.

The ‘SME Development Board’ aims to raise the sector’s share of exports to BD605m in 2026, lift its GDP contribution to BD6.4bn and increase the number of Bahrainis working in SMEs to over 49,000.