At BNP Paribas' 50th anniversary in Bahrain, Finance Minister highlights financial sector’s role in economic development
Manama, Feb. 27 (BNA): Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, participated in the BNP Paribas’ 50th anniversary celebration in Bahrain.
The event was attended by Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board; Khalid bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB); Eric Giraud-Telme, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Kingdom of Bahrain; and Alain Papiasse, Chairman of Corporate and Institutional Banking of BNP Paribas.
The Finance Minister emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to further developing its economic environment by providing the necessary facilities to support the financial and banking sector.
He highlighted the sector’s key role in driving economic development and progress, contributing to the Kingdom’s comprehensive development process under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa noted that the financial and banking sector is the largest contributor to Bahrain’s GDP.
He emphasised the government’s continuous efforts, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to diversify the economy and foster openness to achieve sustainable growth.
The Finance Minister commended the long-standing cooperation with BNP Paribas over the past five decades.
He underscored the importance of further developing the financial and banking sector to support Bahrain’s economic growth and create new opportunities for progress and prosperity.
He added that Bahrain has established itself as a regional and international financial hub, attracting major financial institutions.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s strong financial and economic ties with European countries, noting that trade with the European Union has doubled over the past decade.
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa said that BNP Paribas has become a leading financial institution and a key partner in Bahrain, contributing to various sectors that support national development.
He emphasised the importance of embracing digital transformation, innovation, and AI in financial services.
Khalid bin Ibrahim Humaidan commended BNP Paribas’ contributions to the Kingdom’s financial services sector since the 1970s.
He highlighted the bank’s role in providing banking services, creating job opportunities, and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a regional financial hub.
He also commended BNP Paribas’ efforts in corporate social responsibility and sustainability, enhancing Bahrain’s economic ties with France.
