The longstanding business-friendly relationship between Bahrain and the UK was outlined by Economic Development Board (EDB) director of business development Vivian Jamal.

Speaking at the Bahrain British Business Forum's (BBBF) monthly lunch, she outlined details of the recently-concluded EDB's UK road show.

The road show, which ran from October 10 to 14, covered three of the country's most important business hubs, London, Birmingham and Manchester.

The event, held at the BBBF headquarters in Manama, was chaired by the forum chairman Khalid Al Zayani.

The EDB delegation, led by chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa conducted a series of seminars and visits with key business associations such as British Expertise, World Franchise Association and Daresbury Science and Technology Parks.

Currently, there are more than 600 British agencies and companies with offices in Bahrain spanning a wide range of business sectors, which reflects the strategic importance of the UK as a trading partner for Bahrain.

"There are many synergies between the UK and Bahrain markets," said Ms Jamal.

"Our main interest is to further business links between the two business communities and highlight business and job opportunities for Bahrainis, particularly in key sectors such as financial services, engineering, ICT, building materials technologies, industrial materials and professional services, among others.

"The EDB partnered with several organisations in London, Birmingham and Manchester to support in the development of the business during the five-day road show. These include the Middle East Association, the Midland Trade Forum and Regional UKTI Office, respectively."

"Following this successful tour, we will begin the follow-up process with a number of our business people and their British counterparts to ensure that new deals take place and are supported by the EDB," Jamal added.

The BBBF was formed in 1995 to promote trade and investment between Bahrain and Britain, and is widely recognised as a leading impartial business sector group.

It aims to create and sustain a favourable business environment, as well as assist and introduce new trade and investments to both countries that can benefit and enhance the common economic interests of its member companies.-TradeArabia News Service