EDB signs major accords with China
HANGZHOU, China: Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) said it has signed major agreements with the Chinese government in the areas of logistics, transportation, financial services, tourism and training during their visit to the city of Hangzhou.
A senior delegation from Bahrain met Zhang Zexi, the vice chairman of Zhejiang provincial political consultative committee and local government officials and business leaders at the Bahrain-Zhejiang Business Forum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang.
The forum coincides with the signing of friendly co-operation between Capital Governor Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa and Chen Weiqiang, vice mayor of Hangzhou.
Hangzhou is Bahrain’s second friendly co-operation in China, and the new relationship represents a significant step towards stronger business ties between the two countries ahead of next year’s 30-year anniversary of diplomatic relations.
“We are very excited to work with Zhejiang to create a supportive environment for cross-border business activities, enhancing information exchange and facilitating the growth of SMEs in both countries,” Shaikh Hisham said.
“Hangzhou and Bahrain have had a long history of trade since ancient Maritime Silk Road. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, we believe Hangzhou and Manama will have even greater opportunities for co-operation,” he added.
Mr Weiqiang said: “Hangzhou is a leading city when it comes to China’s digital economy, and a number of leaders in the industry make it their home, including names such as Alibaba. We look forward to strengthening links with Bahrain in areas around business and culture.”
The Capital Governorate signed a pact with Hangzhou to enhance co-operation in the areas of logistics, transportation, financial services, tourism and training. Additionally, both cities will work to establish formal dialogues and regular visit exchange of high-tech companies.
The EDB and the Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province signed a deal to strengthen information exchange, establish a channel for regular investment information exchange and strengthen co-operation in economic and trade activities.
Another agreement was signed with Jolly Chic, Zhejiang’s leading e-commerce platform with a focus on the Mena region, to explore the possibility for the company to enlarge their BPO offering and use Bahrain as a hub for the Middle East.
Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MoU with the Zhejiang International Investment Promotion Centre to establish co-operation between Bahraini and Zhejiang companies and develop institutional capacity for the inception and growth of the private sector in both countries.
EDB chief executive Khalid Al Rumaihi said: “We strongly believe that through these agreements, we can work together to create a shared future for Bahrain, China, and the Gulf region. Being the region’s freest economy, Bahrain can be the ideal hub for Chinese business, SMEs and start-ups to access the opportunities available in the region.”
“We look forward to further enhancing economic ties with Zhejiang and welcoming Chinese companies to set up in the kingdom,” he added.
As one of the most open and liberal countries in the Gulf region, Bahrain is known for its unrivalled market access, world-class regulatory environment, highly competitive taxation system, the lowest operating costs in the region, high quality of life, and a technologically literate population.
The Bahraini delegation recently visited Shenzhen and attended China High-Tech Fair last week. It will now head to Shijiazhuang and Beijing as it continues to explore deeper economic ties with China.
Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/431982
