Lublin: Samir Nass, Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), underscored that the Kingdom of Bahrain offers a wide range of investment opportunities that Polish companies can benefit from, particularly in the sectors of trade, construction, tourism, transportation, engineering, banking, and financial services. He noted that Bahrain's strategic location positions it as a key gateway to the markets of the Gulf, the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.
According to Bahrain News Agency, this came during his chairmanship of the Bahrain Chamber delegation participating in the Bahrain-Poland Economic Forum, hosted in the Lublin region with broad participation from senior officials and diplomats from both countries.
Nass emphasised the importance of advancing bilateral relations and expanding economic and commercial cooperation, highlighting Bahrain's progress in economic diversification and its shift toward innovation, technology, and industry. He also pointed out that Bahrain's robust financial infrastructure is supported by the presence of over 400 offshore banks.
Nass commended the professionalism and efficiency of the Polish people, noting the significant potential for joint cooperation, especially in areas such as food security, education, and advanced manufacturing. He called on business communities in both countries to actively participate in trade and economic events and to increase the number of joint forums to enhance cooperation opportunities.
Jaroslaw Stawiarski, Marshal of the Lublin Voivodeship, commended the forum as an important step toward strengthening economic partnerships. He emphasised that the region boasts substantial resources in agriculture, industry, and academic infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for Bahraini investments.
Dariusz Marek Jedlina, President of the Lublin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, underscored the forum's role as a platform for fostering economic dialogue and building sustainable partnerships between the private sectors of both countries. He expressed the Chamber's keenness to support any joint initiatives.
Waleed Kanoo, Vice Treasurer of BCCI, emphasised the Chamber's role in empowering the private sector and enhancing its competitiveness. He pointed out that the Chamber's sectoral committees serve as the voice of the market and provide scientifically grounded recommendations based on economic data analysis.
Board member Ahmed Al Salloom described the forum as a positive step toward strengthening bilateral relations, stressing that Bahrain serves as a strategic gateway for Polish goods and investments. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation in technology, renewable energy, and green hydrogen.
Board member Dr. Waheeb Al Khaja stressed the significance of cooperation in higher education and scientific research, calling for the expansion of academic partnerships and the launch of joint programmes to develop human capital.
Additionally, a senior official at the International Cooperation Centre at the Lublin City Office, noted that the region offers an attractive investment environment for Gulf investors. She mentioned incentives such as tax refunds of up to 70% for up to 15 years, as well as advanced infrastructure including a regional airport and Europe's largest dry port.
The forum witnessed the participation of over 40 Polish companies that expressed interest in expanding their operations in the Gulf region. The Bahraini delegation included prominent business figures from the health, food, education, and technology sectors.
The forum concluded with the signing of several memoranda of understanding, reflecting the mutual desire to enhance transcontinental economic partnerships and cooperate in the areas of food security, manufacturing, education, financial services, and technology.