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New Bahrain bourse to offer derivatives on FTSE indices — July 27, 2010
The Bahrain Financial Exchange (BFX), due to start operations in October, said on Tuesday it will offer a number of derivative products based on FTSE indices on its trading platform.
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Bahrain economic growth on track — July 9, 2010
Manama; Bahraini employment rose over the last decade by 39 per cent and Bahraini wages increased 54 per cent according to an economic review of the kingdom carried out by the Economic Development Board (EDB).
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SMEs 'can play big role in Bahrain's growth' — July 2, 2010
Manama; The small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are more adaptable to change due to their small size and private ownership and can play a key role in Bahrain's economic growth, said Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro.
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Skype opens Bahrain HQ — June 29, 2010
Manama, Internet phone software pioneer Skype has launched its Middle East headquarters in Bahrain. Economic Development Board (EDB) chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa said the move came at a time when Bahrain was being recognised as a global leader in offering highly-advanced telecom solutions.
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30 US firms seeking to invest in Bahrain — June 9, 2010
MANAMA: A total of 30 US companies have expressed an interest in setting up businesses in Bahrain. They have been holding talks with a top level delegation to the US from the kingdom led by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and supported by private sector companies.
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Drive to support small businesses gathers momentum — June 6, 2010
Bahrain: A new wave of opportunities is emerging in Bahrain as the country's economy brings through a number of blossoming sectors which could benefit the local workforce, business leaders and the Kingdom as a whole, according to the a minister.
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Bahrain-US sign key accord to boost trade — May 22, 2010
WASHINGTON: The Industry and Commerce Ministry yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment at the Bahrain Embassy in Washington. The deal was concluded on the sidelines of a visit to Washington by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Economic Development Board Chairman.
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Bahrain to boost efforts to get more investment — May 19, 2010
Manama; Bahrain is to step up efforts to attract Arab and foreign investments and boost the national economy. 'We are determined to provide every facility to promote investments and woo Arab and foreign capital,' His Majesty King Hamad said.
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Innovative products to be showcased at expos — April 27, 2010
MANAMA: Top construction and interiors firms from around the world will gather next week in Bahrain at a one of a kind trade event. Innovation, style and ambition are just some of the themes visitors can expect to find at the gulfBID and gulfINTERIORS exhibitions, which will be held concurrently at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) from May 4 to 6.
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“Mclaren Move Reflects Bahrain Track Record As Gateway To Trillion Dollar Gulf”: EDB — April 22, 2010
News that McLaren Automotive has chosen Bahrain for its regional HQ reflects the Kingdom’s own track record as an international business hub, according to Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB).
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Bahrain 'emerges as key economic player' — April 11, 2010
MANAMA: Bahrain has emerged as a globally competitive economy, said American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain) president Adel Al Safar.
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A prosperous American ally — March 25, 2010
Two weeks ago, as Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates was lobbying our allies in the Persian Gulf to assist in a containment policy for Iran, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of California was hosting a delegation from Bahrain to discuss good governance and democratic reform.
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CNBC selects Bahrain as hub for Middle East — March 15, 2010
MANAMA: Business news television channel CNBC yesterday announced it is making Bahrain its Middle East hub. The announcement, at the Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, means that the channel will create a regional editorial hub in Bahrain to cover the Middle East. The facility is expected to be operational in the second quarter of the year.
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Bahrain sovereign wealth fund to move into bonds, stocks — January 29, 2010
DAVOS, Switzerland: Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, which invests mostly at home, plans to diversify away from private equity projects and into stocks and bonds, its CEO said on Thursday.
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Key studies to boost Bahrain's trade push — January 29, 2010
Findings from a series of studies conducted in conjunction with the United Nations will help improve Bahrain's worldwide trading capabilities, it was declared yesterday.
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Small businesses backed — January 28, 2010
Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro yesterday stressed the role of small and medium businesses in boosting public revenues. He was speaking as he chaired the third meeting of the supreme committee in charge of supporting small and medium businesses
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Bahrain makes its mark — January 27, 2010
The biennial Dubai Airshow, held only last November, clearly reflected what the downturn had done to the aviation industry, as sales of only a bit more than $14 billion was achieved compared with $155.5 billion in 2007.
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One billion dollar Bahrain International Airshow — January 25, 2010
The inaugural Bahrain International Airshow, held at the Sakhir air base, has proved to be a resounding success for the aviation industry as a whole and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The event hosted 40 exhibitors, 94 aircraft and visiting delegates from 45 countries.
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Investment in Bahrain industrial city to reach $8bn — January 8, 2010
Senior figures attending a foundation-laying ceremony at Bahrain’s Salman Industrial City said that investment in the zone was expected to more than double to almost $8 billion in the next few years.
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Salman City attracts $3.5bn in Bahrain — January 7, 2010
The inflow of investments within Salman Industrial City has already reached $3.5 billion and will reach over $7.6 billion after its various projects are completed, a senior government minister has claimed.
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Disputes chamber on way — January 6, 2010
The Bahrain Chamber for Economic, Financial and Investment Dispute Resolution (BCDR) will be officially opened next week. The ceremony will be held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister Jawad Al Arrayed.
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Gulf Cooperation Council Plans to Float $25 Billion Railway Project Tenders — January 6, 2010
The Secretariat-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council will soon begin the process for inviting tenders for the proposed $25 billion rail network project that links member countries of the council.
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Investment volume exceeds BD1 billion — January 6, 2010
The volume of investments pumped into new industrial projects has exceeded BD1 billion.
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Bahrain to alter liquidity management regulations — October 28, 2009
Bahrain's central bank's move to change its liquidity management guidelines to a formal rule will encourage banks to compete more for deposits, prompting them to offer higher rates to attract customers, bankers said.
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Bahrain’s positive growth is praised — October 26, 2009
Bahrain’s two per cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth this year is a sign of good things to come, said a global financial expert yesterday.?
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The bridge to Bahrain — September 14, 2009
With billions of dollars being spent to develop its warehousing and transportation infrastructure, Bahrain has emerged as a popular hotspot for the global logistics industry.
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FTA talks chance for Bahrain firms — August 31, 2009
Bahrain's business community will get a say on the future of international trade with the US later this year. A meeting of the US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (FTA) joint commission is being lined up in October. Companies will be given a chance to discuss how the agreement is functioning. They can also put forward ideas to strengthen the deal.
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Bahrain 'regional hub for telecom services' — August 26, 2009
Bahrain is well positioned to serve as the regional hub to provide telecommunication services and information and technology training, according to US Ambassador Adam Ereli. Mr.Ereli made the claim during a meeting with Bahrain Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) general director Alan Horne.
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Macquarie May Invest $100 Million in Bahrain’s Gulf Finance — August 25, 2009
Macquarie Group Ltd., Australia’s largest investment bank, may invest about $100 million in Gulf Finance House EC as part of a proposed joint venture to offer Islamic financial services in the Middle East and North Africa.
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STC to invest $340 million in Bahrain — August 25, 2009
With the most liberal telecom laws in place, Bahrain has managed to attract major global telecom players to invest in this sector including the Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC), a top official at Bahrain's telecom regulatory body said.
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Bahrain sets out stall as dispute resolution centre — August 18, 2009
It’s nearer London than the Caymans, it’s hotter than Switzerland and there’s no shortage of decent hotels: is Bahrain about to become next the big thing in Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
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New service launched — August 14, 2009
In response to changing market conditions in Bahrain and across the Middle East, Ernst & Young has introduced CoreSolutions, a new service which will help companies to gain an oversight of its financial position quickly and manage it more effectively.
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Nasmah Tower facilities are showcased — August 3, 2009
Sakana Holistic Housing Solutions and RMK Projects held an open day for apartment owners of Nasmah freehold residential tower, Juffair. Two furnished show apartments were on display.
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$140m Ijara facility success — July 31, 2009
Liquidity Management Centre (LMC) and Kuwait Finance House-Bahrain have successfully secured and fully funded a $140 million syndicate Ijara facility.
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Bahrain seeks $1.3 billion loans for utility projects — July 30, 2009
Bahrain is seeking $1.3 billion (Dh4.7bn) from regional financing agencies to upgrade the Gulf state's power and water network over the next 10 years, said an official yesterday.
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Al Tashani moves its HQ to Zinj — July 28, 2009
Real estate developer and builder Al Tashani Group of Holding Companies has moved to new headquarters in Zinj. It was officially opened yesterday by Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro.
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Bahrain's Unicorn Global Private Equity Fund sells stake in energy company — July 23, 2009
Unicorn Investment Bank’s private equity division has sold a ten per cent stake in Regional Energy Services Holding (RESH) to Eastern Industrial & Oilfield Services (EIOS) Holding, a Bahraini firm specialising in the oil & gas services sector.
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Human resource training boost — July 22, 2009
The management of the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) welcomed 20 of its member organisations' training and human resource officers to its next year's training needs forum.
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CBB introduces new rules to strengthen insurance market — July 20, 2009
The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has issued new rules to strengthen insurance market regulations in Bahrain. From now on, representatives of insurance companies will need a minimum qualification to practice in Bahrain.
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Scrap metal firm launches operations — July 20, 2009
One of Middle East's leading metal processing companies S J Metals has successfully launched its operations in Bahrain. With an initial investment of $8 million, the company officials see this as one of the largest Indian investments in the scrap metal business in Bahrain.
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BisB posts operating profit of $43 million — July 15, 2009
Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) made an operating profit of BD16 million ($42.5m) in the first half of the year. This underlines the continuous growth of the bank in spite of the numerous difficulties faced by the regional markets that were negatively affected by the current global financial crisis, according to chairman Khalid Abdulla Al Bassam.
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Firm to set up glass processing complex — July 14, 2009
An industrial complex for glass processing for architectural works will be set up in Bahrain, it was revealed yesterday. This factory will produce a wide range of glass of different sizes including tempered, laminated, insulated, sandblasted and silk screen printed glass.
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Batelco to launch India service in next quarter — July 13, 2009
Batelco expects its Indian mobile phone affiliate S Tel to start operations in the fourth quarter, it said yesterday. S Tel has licences to operate in Bihar, Orissa, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Assam and north-eastern states.
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Homes Drive — July 13, 2009
A major housing project for Jidhafs was yesterday given high priority by Bahrain's Cabinet. Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa gave directives for it to go ahead.
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“Invest in Bahrain” Forum kicks off — July 10, 2009
As part of efforts to promote investment opportunities, particularly in the industrial sectors, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr. Hassan Fakhro will patronize the “Invest in Bahrain 2009” forum.
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Regional Hub for Business — July 9, 2009
Bahrain is a regional centre for trade, Economic Development Board chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa said yesterday. This comes after the kingdom was ranked high on an index that tracks countries with most liberal trade procedures.
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BAB to Showcase Bahrain at Forum — July 6, 2009
Bahraini bankers will gather in Istanbul later this year at a reception for the annual meeting of World Bank and IMF governors.
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Democracy 'a Boon for Businesses in Bahrain' — July 2, 2009
A flourishing democracy gives Bahraini businesses an edge over other countries in the region, delegates at the Invest in Bahrain 2009 Forum were told yesterday.
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Growth Engine of the Future — June 30, 2009
Bahrain is encouraging the private sector to become the country's future growth engine, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro said yesterday.
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$1 Billion Nurana Blueprint Unveiled — June 29, 2009
Nurana, a major waterfront development in Bahrain, is a step closer to reality with the completion of the site's master plan design.
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Investments in Exhibition City Urged — June 25, 2009
Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro yesterday urged investors to take part in constructing a giant exhibition city.
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'Invest in Bahrain' Forum Lined Up — June 24, 2009
Preparations are in full swing to hold the "Invest in Bahrain 2009" forum. The event will open on July 1 at 9.30am at Al Nakhla Hall, Bahrain Exhibitions and Conventions Authority.
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Premier Business Club Launched at Harbour — June 23, 2009
The Capital Club, a premier private business club, has been officially opened in Bahrain. It was opened by board of governors chairman Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, who is Bahrain's Economic Development Board chief executive.
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MTI Launches New Solution — June 19, 2009
Bahrain-based MTI Consulting has launched Trim & Fit, a performance-driven consulting solution to help companies prevail during the tough times and seize upside opportunities.
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Bahrain Awards $60-million Contract to CAE for Flight Simulator, Services — June 18, 2009
CAE Inc. (TSX:CAE) has sold two additional full-flight simulators for training crews of Airbus commercial jets and a suite of support services to the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Co., an arm of the kingdom's government.
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Bahrain Posts Strongest Insurance Growth in 2008 — June 18, 2009
The Bahrain insurance market posted its strongest annual growth in 2008 with gross premiums surging by 34 per cent to BD183.3 million (Dh1.78 billion), the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) said yesterday.
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Church’s Chicken Sold to California Company — June 18, 2009
Atlanta-based Church’s Chicken is changing ownership, four and half years after being bought by Arcapita Bank, a Bahrain-based investment firm with a U.S. office in Atlanta.
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Mumtalakat Makes Senior Appointments — June 18, 2009
Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the Bahrain-based investment company, today announces three significant senior management appointments to its management team.
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Mumtalakat Orders Two Additional Full-Flight Simulators to Support Gulf Air Pilot Training — June 18, 2009
Today at the Paris Air Show, CAE announced that it has sold two additional full-flight simulators (FFS) and a suite of support services to Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company ("Mumtalakat"), the investment arm of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the owner of Gulf Air, Bahrain's national carrier.
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Panel Vows Support for Small Businesses — June 18, 2009
Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro yesterday chaired the first meeting of the co-ordinating committee to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
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Insurance Market Posts Record Growth in Bahrain — June 17, 2009
Bahrain's insurance market is booming and creating new jobs in the kingdom. The market posted its strongest-ever annual growth during last year, with gross premiums surging by 34 per cent to register BD183.3m ($486.3m).
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Key Project Plans are Highlighted — June 17, 2009
More than 120 members of the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) turned up for the monthly lunch to hear @bahrain chief executive officer Nicola Pero outline the visionary plans for her organisation.
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Training Firm Opens Office at Harbour — June 17, 2009
Specialist public relations training company Pinnacle PR Training has opened an office in Bahrain to serve the country's growing need for world-class communication skills.
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Harbour Base for Generali — June 16, 2009
BSI SA (Generali), the Swiss bank specialising in asset management and related services, will begin operations from the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) in August.
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Vision3 in Joint Venture Deal with Morocco Bank — June 16, 2009
Bahrain-based Vision3 has signed a memorandum of understanding with Morocco's largest bank Attijariwafa to set up a joint venture specialist food and agriculture investment vehicle.
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Bahrain Bay in Key Expo Deal — June 15, 2009
Bahrain Bay Development will be a diamond sponsor of the 2009 Water and Energy Conservation Expo. This year marks Bahrain Bay's second year as sponsors of the Energy and Water Conservation Expo which opens today at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre and runs for three days.
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BCCI in New Push to Boost Thai Trade Ties — June 15, 2009
A high-profile delegation representing Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) will travel to Thailand on June 24.
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Credit Card Industry Challenges to be Reviewed — June 12, 2009
Bahrain is to host the first GCC Cards Summit. Leaders in the debit, credit, charge, prepaid and loyalty cards services industry will take part.
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Investments Set to Surge in Bahrain — June 12, 2009
Bahrain could be set for a surge of foreign investment after one of Abu Dhabi's foremost investment companies pledged to turn the region into a leading destination for capital.
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Firm Acquires $171m Mortgage Loans in US — June 10, 2009
The investment team at Bahrain-based Investcorp has completed a series of transactions to acquire $170.9 million mortgage loans in the US.
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KFH Signs Key Deal with ITS — June 10, 2009
Kuwait Finance House-Bahrain (KFH-Bahrain) yesterday announced that it has appointed computer group International Turnkey Systems (ITS) to provide an integrated "ethical banking" solution to support the bank's expansion plans.
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GIB Net Income Surges to $43m in First Quarter — June 9, 2009
Gulf International Bank (GIB) had a good start to the year with first quarter net income ahead. The bank yesterday reported consolidated net income after tax of $42.9 million for the three months ended on March 31.
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Excellence Award for Ministry — June 4, 2009
The Works Ministry has made history by being among only four recipients from Europe, the Middle East and Africa of the Excellence Award for executing its business strategy.
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New BCCI Strategy to Help SMEs — June 2, 2009
The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has launched a new strategy designed to aid small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in realising their full potential.
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Keeping Pace with ICT Key to Future Growth — May 27, 2009
Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa yesterday called for increased efforts by all to keep pace with advances in the field of information communication technology (ICT).
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Bahrain Ambition to Put Gulf on the Global Stage — May 26, 2009
The Gulf will emerge stronger from the global economic crisis and aims to be recognised alongside the new global giants of India and China as a region of growth, H.E. Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) has told Bloomberg Television.
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H.H. Shaikh Salman leads Bahrain delegation to the World Economic Forum on the Middle East — May 14, 2009
A Bahrain delegation led by His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, The Crown Prince of Bahrain and Chairman of the Economic Development Board (EDB), will arrive in Jordan this week for the 2009 World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East.
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BD780M INVESTED — May 11, 2009
Bahrain's industrial and commercial growth momentum yesterday revealed significantly positive trends.According to new figures, BD780 million has been invested in the industrial sector over the last five years.
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SWINE FLU ALERT — May 1, 2009
All Bahraini citizens in the US, Canada, Mexico, and South America are urged to register their information with the Embassy. In case of an emergency, please contact us at (+1) 202.342.1111 ext. 850.
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BBK Net Profit Surges 7.3pc to $32 Million — April 29, 2009
BBK yesterday announced a net profit of BD11.9 million ($31.6m) for the first three months of this year, showing a growth of 7.3 per cent over the same period last year.
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$1bn Leap into the Future... — April 26, 2009
Bahrain is seizing the day by pushing ahead with massive developments as much of the world cowers in the face of recession, says the head of the government's investments arm.
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Financial Sector Growth 'is Steady in Bahrain' — April 24, 2009
The global financial crisis has reminded us all that fundamentals matter in economics.
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New Stocks 'May Lower Prices' in Bahrain — April 22, 2009
Prices of commodities in Bahrain are expected to plummet as new stocks hit the shop shelves.
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New $10 Billion Islamic Bank Planned for Bahrain — April 20, 2009
Persian Gulf investors plan to launch a new $10 billion Islamic bank by year-end in Bahrain.
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Credit Rating Boost for GIB — April 15, 2009
Bahrain-based Gulf International Bank (GIB) got another boost yesterday when its credit rating was upgraded by Standard & Poors.
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Bahrain-UAE Wood Trade Tops $652m — April 13, 2009
The total value of Bahrain's wood imports and exports into the UAE topped BD246 million ($652.4m) last year.
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Bahrain Association of Banks Organizes CEO Luncheon — April 7, 2009
The Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) organized a CEO Luncheon on 6th April 2009 at the Mercure Hotel where Mr. Abdulellah Ebrahim Al Qassimi delivered a presentation 'Tamkeen and the National Economy'.
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Bahrain-Qatar Causeway Project Work to Begin in Nine Months — April 7, 2009
Construction on the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway Project, the "Friendship Bridge," is likely to start in nine months' time. Completion of the project is seen around 2013. The two-lane road bridge will have an added railway system.
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Defying the Downturn — April 6, 2009
The volume of Bahrain's investment capital has soared by 22.3 per cent to top BD15.3 billion, it was revealed yesterday.
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Exhibition Industry 'Will Survive Credit Crunch' — April 3, 2009
The Meetings Incentives Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry in the region has survived two Gulf Wars, the Sars outbreak, terrorism and a tsunami.
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Cisco Opens Data Center in Bahrain — March 31, 2009
Network equipment provider Cisco announced on Tuesday it has opened a new office and data center in Bahrain.
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Ahli United is Named Best in Mideast — March 30, 2009
Ahli United Bank (AUB) has been named 'Best Bank in the Middle East 2009' by New York-based banking publication Global Finance magazine.
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Bahrain National Holding Seeking Major Expansion — March 30, 2009
Bahrain National Holding (BNH) is looking for further expansion this year.
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Bahrain’s People the Key to Growth, says EDB — March 24, 2009
Dr. Zakaria Hejres, Deputy Chief Executive of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB), has hailed Tamkeen’s vision of creating new career and training opportunities for Bahrainis. Last month alone, Tamkeen announced training contracts worth over BD2 million, taking its total portfolio of investments to more than BD66 million.
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Bahrain Ranked ‘Best For Business’ in the Gulf by Forbes — March 23, 2009
Bahrain has been ranked the best country for business in the Gulf by Forbes, one of the most trusted information resources for the world’s business leaders.
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Bahrain 'Poised for Quick Economic Recovery' — March 18, 2009
Bahrain will bounce back stronger than ever from the impact of the global recession, say experts.
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Budget Crisis Over — March 16, 2009
His Majesty King Hamad yesterday stepped in to end the budget deadlock.
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Occidental Deal Major Milestone for Bahrain — March 16, 2009
Bahrain's drive to significantly increase its oil and gas production levels reached a major milestone yesterday.
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$30 Billion in Projects Underway in Bahrain — March 2, 2009
More than $30 billion worth of major projects in property, infrastructure and other industries are underway, in spite of the global financial crisis, according to the latest edition of Bahrain “Who’s Who Directory.”
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Bahrain's Retail Sector is Making Huge Strides — February 22, 2009
Bahrain has the potential of becoming a leader in retail business, Middle East Council of Shopping Centres president Maher Al Shaer said.
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