The forum, held in Cairo, saw high-level attendance, including Bahrain's Minister of Sustainable Development, Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, and Minister of Industry and Commerce, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro. Egyptian Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk was also present, alongside numerous business leaders and investors from both countries.
Al-Khatib highlighted the deep historical ties between Egypt
and Bahrain as a solid foundation for strong economic and investment
partnerships. He noted that Bahrain is a key investment partner for Egypt, with
approximately $450 million in Bahraini investments across more than 237
companies in 2024. These companies operate in sectors including finance,
industry, tourism, and real estate. Trade volume between the two countries
reached about $35.27 million in the same year.
The minister pointed out Egypt's significant progress in
attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), which saw the country rank first in
Africa and ninth globally in 2024. This achievement is a result of ongoing
reforms aimed at creating a more attractive investment climate, Al-Khatib said,
adding that Egypt aims to be among the top 50 countries in global investment
and trade competitiveness indices within the next two years.
Al-Khatib stressed that Egypt's strategic location and
extensive free trade agreements position it as a key gateway to vast regional
and African markets, presenting major opportunities for Bahraini businesses
looking to expand.
He called the Bahraini economy, with its expertise in
financial services, energy, and specialized industries, an ideal partner for
enhancing economic integration. This partnership, he said, could lead to
innovative projects in trade, sustainable development, renewable energy, and
the digital economy.
Promising investment opportunities exist in major projects
like the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the New Administrative Capital, Al-Khatib
said. He expressed Egypt's desire for strong Bahraini participation in these
ventures to solidify both nations as key hubs for regional development.
Calling the forum a new starting point for strategic
cooperation, Al-Khatib emphasized that the private sector in both countries is
a critical driver of economic growth. He recommended that the forum be held
periodically to ensure continuous dialogue and the signing of constructive
economic agreements.
Al-Khatib concluded by thanking the Kingdom of Bahrain for its efforts to advance bilateral cooperation, expressing hope that the forum would pave the way for deeper and more prosperous partnerships.