Finnish-Arabic Trade Association organized a seminar “Why Bahrain for Technology Companies” in Helsinki on 6th April 2017. Mr  John Kilmartin, Executive Director – ICT of the Bahrain Economic Development gave a presentation on the theme.

Bahrain offers an ideal location for technology companies to access the fast-growing Middle East and GCC markets. It’s location in the center of the region, with a direct road link to Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest market, offers companies a base in a liberal, supportive business environment.

Bahrain is a small country – equivalent in size to Singapore. It has a population of around 1.3 million – of which approximately half are Bahrainis. Bahrain is a regional hub providing access to the GCC market. Its role is similar to Hong Kong’s in providing access to China and wider East Asia. GCC economy is worth around US$1.5 trillion – comparable to Canada and India.

Bahrain tries to diversify and reform its economy. It has a central position in bridging East and West. Bahrain offers new possibilities for regional value chains, Pan-GCC transport links and duty free access throughout GCC and Greater Arab Free Trade Area.

Technology companies are already in Bahrain including Batelco, Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Huawei, Kalaam Telecom, Lightspeed, Menatelecom, Microsoft, 2Connect, Viva (Saudi Telecom), Software AG, Tech Mahindra, TATA Consultancy Services, WIPRO and Zain.

Written by Anne Hatanpää