Bahrain Targets Polish Gateway

TDT| Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is placing a bold bet on Eastern Europe, positioning itself as a Gulf gateway for Polish investors amid its long-term push to diversify beyond oil.

Gateway ambitions

Speaking at the Bahrain–Poland Economic Forum, His Excellency Sameer Nass, Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, spotlighted the Kingdom’s evolution into a regional hub linking the Gulf, Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. H.E. cited Bahrain’s advanced banking and financial landscape, home to more than 400 offshore banks, and growing strengths in innovation, transport, and engineering.

H.E. Nass praised Poland’s capabilities and urged stronger partnerships in food security, education, and advanced manufacturing, calling for more joint exhibitions to connect businesses in both nations.

Lublin’s pitch

Polish leaders responded in kind. Marshal of the Lublin Voivodeship, Jarosław Stawiarski, hailed the forum as a milestone for bilateral economic ties and positioned Lublin as a strategic European partner. He pointed to the region’s academic depth, agricultural strengths, and investor-friendly environment.

Head of International Cooperation at the Lublin City Office, Ewelina Graban, added that investors in the region benefit from tax refunds of up to 70% for 15 years, access to Europe’s largest dry port, and a modern airport, making Lublin an ideal logistics base for Gulf outreach.

Bahrain’s outreach

Representing the Bahrain Chamber, board members and officials used the platform to underline Bahrain’s private sector capabilities. Board Member Ahmed AlSaloom said Bahrain could serve as a springboard for Polish exports and investments entering the wider Gulf. He highlighted opportunities in technology, renewable energy, and green hydrogen.

Dr. Waheeb Alkhaja echoed that momentum, calling for deeper collaboration in education and research through joint programmes that align with Bahrain’s national education strategy.

Vice Treasurer of the Chamber and Head of its Steering Committee said the Chamber’s sectoral committees were actively generating data-driven insights to improve competitiveness and policy alignment.

Growing momentum

The forum welcomed over 40 Polish companies, many seeking entry into Gulf markets. Discussions culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at deepening cooperation across food security, finance, manufacturing, education, and technology.

The gathering signalled both countries’ commitment to repositioning their economic strategies through mutual investment and sectoral innovation.