French push for new investments
CONSTRUCTION, technology and food security are potential fields of co-operation that Bahrain and France could tap into, according to visiting legislators.
The annual trade volume between the two countries is estimated to be around $500 million, a figure that needs to be improved, according to French MP Jean-Luc Reitzer.
He also revealed that a number of French investments would soon take place in Bahrain, including an investment plan by GA Smart Building company.
Mr Reitzer, who is secretary general of the French-Bahraini Friendship Group at the French National Assembly, is part of a three-member French parliamentary delegation visiting Bahrain.
During their visit, they met government officials, diplomats, businessmen and Shura Council members. They also held a joint Press briefing yesterday with Bahraini MPs Abdulrahman Bumajeed and Abbas Al Maddi at the National Assembly complex in Gudaibiya.
“Trade volume is very weak between the two countries at the moment,” said Mr Reitzer.
“However, we have investment plans in Bahrain and hope Bahrain becomes an investment hub in the Middle East.”
Having visited Bahrain a number of times, Mr Reitzer pointed to the rapid urban development and the emergence of major projects.
“The economy of Bahrain is flourishing,” he added. “During our tour in Bahrain, we met a French company that wants to invest in Bahrain. We also visited industrial cities, as well as a housing project that consists of 4,000 units.
“We could see how the country is developing and that there are projects everywhere.”
The delegation, which also included MPs Hillmeyer Frances Robert and Yves Censi, said some foreign media outlets were promoting false information about Bahrain to tarnish its image.
Tarnish
“Some media outlets are tarnishing the image of Bahrain – they do it on purpose,” said Mr Reitzer. “However, the real image remains obvious despite the attempts.
“As a parliamentarian, I will be Bahrain’s ambassador in France and will do everything to tell people about the reality and progress Bahrain is making.”
During the Press briefing, Mr Robert also highlighted the financial support Bahrain offered its citizens.
“This is my first time in Bahrain and it will not be the last,” he said. “We have noticed during our visit that the country is supporting business projects. It is also helping people financially by providing them with houses.
“This shows the great respect the government has for its citizens.
“This visit has left me with a very pleasant image of Bahrain.”
The visiting MPs were given a tour around Bahrain where they visited governmental institutions, Bahrain National Museum and Bahrain National Theatre.
They also visited various places of worship where they met clergymen from different religions.
Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/196039/French-push-for-new-investments
