New investment push by Bahrain Bourse

MANAMA: Bahrain Bourse (BHB) and the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) have officially launched a new chapter in Bahrain, to further develop and enhance best practices in investor relations (IR) in the country.

The MEIRA Bahrain Chapter was formally inaugurated yesterday at the signing ceremony of founding members who have recognised their commitment to develop the IR function in the local market. The founding members include Alba represented by Eline Hilal, Bank ABC represented by Brendon Hopkins, Batelco represented by Faisal Qamhiyah, Ithmaar Holding represented by Sameh Mahmandar, NBB represented by Russell Bennett and Sico represented by Fadhel Makhlooq.

BHB’s Marwa Al Maskati will be the MEIRA Bahrain Chapter head.

The bourse’s chief executive Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said the ground has been set for establishing a solid network of IR professionals in Bahrain and the association would help in advancing the IR function and promoting international best practices among listed companies in the capital market.

“The establishment of chapter will also signal to the international investment community our commitment and enhance possibility of inclusion in emerging markets indices,” he added.

MEIRA chairman Andrew Tarbuck said he looked forward to collaborating with chapter members and with BHB to increase “the effectiveness and quality of the IR function among the organisations in the kingdom through our wide range of activities and training programmes”.

Members of the MEIRA Bahrain Chapter will now have access to a wealth of IR knowledge from global leaders in the profession in the form of specific educational initiatives and will be able to benefit from engaging local events aimed at uniting and advancing the IR community.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/536962