The 16th Arab German Economic Forum, which is being sponsored by Bahrain, opens today (June 12) in Berlin.

Organised by the Arab German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the General Union of Arab Chambers of Commerce, with the support of the Economic Development Board (EDB), and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the forum will conclude on Friday.

This year's forum is sponsored by Bahrain and will focus on the economic environment and investment opportunities in the kingdom, reported the Gulf daily News, our sister publication.

"There is great opportunity for Bahraini companies to discuss ways of co-operation with their peers in Germany," Arab German Chamber of Commerce and Industry secretary-general Abdulaziz Al Mukhlafi said.

"With the help of the EDB, we have ensured that private sector companies are given an opportunity to meet reputable German companies and discuss potential ways of co-operation between them," he stated

According to Al Mukhlafi, the forum aims to enhance trade relations between Arab countries and Germany, which has reached 49 billion euros in 2012. The value of Arab investment in Germany has totalled 75 billion euros.

"The economic environment in Bahrain is rich with attractive benefits for investment, which we intend to highlight in such events, where foreign investors and decision-makers are our audience," Bahrain's Ambassador in Germany Ibrahim Mahmoud said.

"German companies and investors can use Bahrain as a platform to access the wider GCC market, which is now worth $1.4 trillion."

A high-level delegation will represent Bahrain, including officials from the EDB, BCCI, the eGovernment Authority, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, Works Ministry, Culture Ministry and the Bahrain Logistics Zone, in addition to Bahraini businessmen.

The delegation will be meeting their peers from Germany and neighbouring European countries, such as Austria and Switzerland.

With the participation of around 500 delegates annually, the forum represents an opportunity to discuss investment opportunities between Arab and European countries.

The forum will shed light on economic and trade issues, especially in infrastructure, logistics, Information Technology, manufacturing and financial services, small and medium enterprises, family businesses and the role of businesswomen.-TradeArabia News Service