Bahrain ‘must tap its potential to be infotech hub’
BAHRAIN has the potential to become the Silicon Valley of the Gulf, with ambitious plans to attract major telecommunication and technology industries, claimed a veteran councillor.
Incumbent Southern Municipal Council chairman Ahmed Al Ansari, who is contesting for a parliament seat in national elections later this month, revealed he had drawn up a comprehensive legislation for the vision a year ago, but never submitted it.
However, he also pointed out that had the legislation been approved by the council it would have applied just to the Southern Governorate while he had envisioned it be implemented nationwide.
Mr Al Ansari told the GDN he would submit the legislation to the government if he is re-elected, or pass on to others if not.
“We have sprawling industrial, municipal and government properties awaiting proper investments,” he said.
“It is not just about attracting whatever investments may come, we are looking for major telecom and technology industries – like manufacturing mobile phones, laptops, computers, iPads and the necessary spare parts.
“We have the potential to become the Gulf’s Silicon Valley as we have an attractive market – large spaces, ease of procedures, availability of local efficient manpower, and the necessary infrastructure for businesses to thrive.”
Mr Al Ansari said Bahrain should be working towards promoting itself amongst US businesses by using the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between both the countries as leverage.
“Apple, Samsung and Microsoft, amongst many others, should be wooed to come here; I believe we have an edge with the FTA and our close ties with the US.”
As a case in point, he cited Amazon Web Services choosing Bahrain to be its regional data centre.
Mr Al Ansari said the comprehensive law would be presented to parliament next month whether he gets elected or not.
