Bahrain eyes stronger economic cooperation with France

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has become a key gateway for trade and investment flows to and from regional markets, Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, Nabeel Khalid Kanoo stated on Monday, highlighting the kingdom’s economic resilience amid regional tensions.

The chairman made the remarks during a meeting with French Ambassador to Bahrain Eric Giraud-Telme, noting that the private sector’s dynamism and its alignment with government policies had strengthened the national economy’s ability to absorb external shocks.

Kanoo stated that the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa has played a central role in empowering the private sector and enhancing its resilience in the face of current challenges.

He added that the integration of government policies with private sector initiatives, along with the role of financial institutions, had contributed to maintaining market stability despite geopolitical pressures.

Kanoo said recent Iranian attacks targeting Bahrain had demonstrated the strength and cohesion of the national economy, underscoring its capacity to adapt to external pressures.

He also highlighted growing economic ties with France, saying bilateral trade reached $757.9 million in 2025, marking a 76.7% increase compared with the previous year.

Kanoo called for expanding joint projects between Bahraini and French private sectors, particularly in high-value industries, finance and priority economic sectors, to deepen investment partnerships and support sustainable growth.

For his part, the French ambassador congratulated the chamber’s newly elected board and expressed optimism about further strengthening bilateral ties, citing opportunities to expand investment cooperation and explore new areas of economic integration.