Bangkok:Bahrain Bourse (BHB), regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, participated in the GCC-Asia Economic Forum organized by the Asian Bankers Association and the Kuwait Banking Association. The event, held in Thailand on October 14, took place alongside the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Annual Meetings.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Forum gathered senior government officials, banking leaders, investors, policymakers, financial institutions, and technology experts from the GCC and Asia. Discussions centered on economic cooperation, capital market connectivity, cross-border investment partnerships, and digital infrastructure collaboration.
Bahrain Bourse's delegation was led by Chairman Yusef Abdulla Al Yusef and CEO Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, along with senior representatives. During the Forum, Al Yusef delivered a keynote address emphasizing the collaboration between GCC and Asian capital markets in light of global economic changes. He highlighted the role of capital markets in fostering investment, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.
The Forum, held alongside the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, provided a platform for dialogue on economic and investment trends, focusing on collaboration opportunities between the GCC and Asia. Bahrain Bourse aims to expand its international engagement and support Bahrain's financial sector development agenda.
Al Yusef noted the strengthening economic ties between the GCC and Asia, highlighting opportunities to enhance financial and capital market connections. He emphasized the importance of partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and market connectivity in creating resilient investment ecosystems.
Bahrain Bourse continues to pursue initiatives to enhance market competitiveness, broaden investor access, and contribute to the growth of Bahrain's capital market ecosystem.