The Bahrain Bourse (BHB) has highlighted how the Bahrain Investment Market (BIM), an equity market for growing business ventures in Bahrain and the wider Mena region, can improve the liquidity of capital-intensive industries and boost foreign investment to the kingdom.

This came during an orientation session organised by Bahrain Bourse for members of the Bahrain Property Developers Association (BAPDA) and Foreign Investors Association in Bahrain.
Speaking at the event, CEO of the Bahrain Bourse Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa noted that construction and real estate is one of the BIM’s key target sectors.

“Sectors that require large amounts of capital to start and operate, such as the construction and real estate development sectors, will be able to access a global network of investors and enhance their financial standing and sustainability over the long term,” Shaikh Khalifa commented.  

“A diverse capital-raising ecosystem is not only essential for driving private sector growth, but also an important determining factor for foreign investors when considering where to invest. The Bahrain Investment Market fills an important gap in this regard as it provides a new innovative financing option and opens up untapped investment opportunities in promising local and regional companies for investors around the globe” Shaikh Khalifa noted.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the construction sector GDP increased to BD217.3 million in the Q4 of 2016 from BD214.9 million in Q3 2016. The sector accounted for 7.8 per cent of Bahrain’s GDP in 2016 and was a main reason behind the upswing in the non-oil economy, according to the March 2017 Bahrain Economic Quarterly report issued by the Economic Development Board.

Chairman of BAPDA Eng Aaref Hejres expressed his appreciation to the BHB for organising the session, and remarked: “The Bahrain Investment Market represents a viable option for construction companies and property developers which will enable this dynamic sector to continue its strong upward momentum and fulfill its role in realizing Bahrain’s future vision.”

On the effect of BIM on the investment environment in Bahrain, president of FIA Fadi Majali, said: “The Bahrain Investment Market is another example of Bahrain’s forward-thinking policies that will only serve to enhance its position as a preferred choice for foreign investors looking to establish and grow their presence in the region.”

Foreign direct investment in Bahrain doubled in 2016 as the country secured a total of $281 million of foreign investment from 40 new companies. – TradeArabia News Service