Ideally located at the confluence of ancient trade routes, Bahrain has always been a thriving entrepot with the economy traditionally driven by trade, pearl diving, fishing and agriculture.

Bahrain is the venue of choice for international investors looking to establish their operations in the Middle East. A globally-oriented country with a distinctly local flavor, the kingdom of Bahrain has witnessed leaps and bounds in its development over the past four decades. Having established itself as the undisputed financial center of the Arabian Gulf region, and now moving towards becoming the region's knowledge-based services hub, Bahrain's progressive outlook and international perspective are reflected in its social and economic diversity.

For complete details on doing business with Bahrain, the site of the Economic Development Board offers complete information.

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Established in 1939, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce was the first of its kind in the Gulf. It is administered by an elected Board of Directors and currently has 7,300 members. The Chamber publishes "Commerce Review," a bilingual monthly magazine.

Web: www.bahchamber.com

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

PO Box 5479
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: (973) 531-531
Fax: (973) 530-455
Web: www.commerce.gov.bh

Foreign Trade Relations Directorate
Functions as the national focal point for the World Trade Organization, its agreements and related issues (e.g. Bahrain's schedules of concessions), as well as other international trade organizations. The Ministry participates in Bahrain's bilateral trade negotiations as well as trade negotiations between GCC and the EU, GCC and the US and with other major economic blocks in the world. It is also responsible for issuing licenses for commercial exhibitions and trade fairs and conferences.

Tel: (973) 535-369
Fax: (973) 532-090
Email: ftrcombh@batelco.com.bh

Economic Development Board

The EDB, an autonomous semi-private agency, was established by Amiri Decree in April 2000, with Board members officially appointed in June 2000.

The EDB is responsible for formulating and overseeing the economic development strategy of Bahrain. The EDB aims to develop Bahrain as a compelling global hub for business and investment, creating a superior investment environment for international companies serving the global market.

First-time investors in Bahrain are invited to contact the EDB for general investment information in the country, as well as guidance on the procedures and laws governing investment in Bahrain.

PO Box 11299
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: (973) 583-311
Fax: (973) 583-322
Email: edb@bahrainedb.com
Web: www.bahrainedb.com

Bahrain Stock Exchange

Opened in June 1989, the Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE) has secured a place on the map of Middle East share markets. The stock exchange has several key advantages, the biggest being its close association with the Saudi economy (the Kingdom is just 30 minutes from Bahrain by car via the King Fahd Causeway). Another is the fact that Bahrain has been in the business of global finance longer than any other Gulf country.

In April 1995, a ministerial resolution expanded the range of governing brokerage firms. As a result, Faysal Islamic Bank and Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait have set up their own brokerage houses. The BSE hopes more brokers will follow suit. In the same year, BIB was given approval to set up the Dilmun Index Fund, which invests exclusively in BSE-listed stocks. This fund is open to investors of any nationality.

PO Box 3203
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: (973) 243-227
Fax: (973) 276-181
Web: www.bahrainstock.com
Email: bse@bahrainstock.com

For more information on business in the Arab world, in general, contact: National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC, Tel: (202)289-5920 Fax: (202)289-5938 or visit Arab Data Net

Bahrain Business Guides:

U.S. Commercial Service: Bahrain Country Commercial Guide FY2002

A Commercial Guide from Menareport.com

The Heritage Foundation 2002 Index of Economic Freedom-Bahrain

US Dept. of State: 2001 Bahrain Country Report on Economic Policy and Trade Practices

Additional Business Links:

Bahrain Monetary Agency

Bahrain Insurance Co.

Bahrain Telecommunications Company

Arab Financial Services Company

US Trade Report

ASRY Ship Repair

Bahrain Internet Services

Ministry of Finance and National Economy

Conferences in Bahrain

Bahrain International Exhibition Center

Arabian Exhibition Management

Conference Bahrain