The Bahrain Asian Traders Committee (BATC), a wing of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry has met embassy officials of Asian countries, said Mohammed Sajid, Chairman of BATC and Vice-treasurer of the chamber. The meeting focussed on promoting Bahrain as an investment destination among the Asian businessmen.
He said that the plan was to identify about five businesses ready to invest in the kingdom. "Each of the 16 embassies would draw up five businesses from their respective countries willing to invest in Bahrain and avail of the infrastructure and benefits Bahrain has for them. The BATC would gather a list of 80 investors. Thereafter, the members of each of these nations would tour their countries, with officials from the Bahrain Economic Development Board," Sajid said. When a Pakistani businessman from Bahrain talks to his counterpart in his country, there is a confidence that nothing else can bring, he said. The same goes for members of each of the 16 Asian countries, he added.
"Although we are looking outwards, the primary focus is on promoting re-investment by businesses already present here. There are historic issues that need to be sorted out and the new minister for industry and commerce has agreed to address these and iron them out," Sajid said.
The presence of the deputy chairman and the senior members and officials of the chamber, vouched for the seriousness of the intention. Bahrain News Agency learns that BATC is also changing tactic to attract more manufacturers into the Kingdom.