Dubai: Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, participated in several meetings and panel discussions during the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai.
According to Bahrain News Agency, during a panel discussion hosted by the GCC General Secretariat on 'Structural Developments, Economic Diversity, and Their Impact on Sustainability in Light of the National Visions of the Member States', the minister emphasised the importance of implementing future strategies that drive economic development and sustainable growth. He highlighted the shared aspirations and strategic visions of GCC economies, which have enhanced their resilience and competitiveness. He noted Bahrain's success in increasing foreign direct investment and diversifying income sources by enhancing the role of key priority sectors.
In a joint session between the UAE Ministry of Finance and the GCC General Secretariat titled "Promoting Resilience: Shaping the Future of the GCC Economy Amid Regional and Global Challenges," Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa emphasised the importance of investing in human capital as a key driver of economic growth. He also highlighted the role of developing promising sectors in supporting economic diversification, increasing non-oil GDP growth, and fostering effective public-private partnerships.
In another panel discussion on the rise of the new industrial policy, the minister emphasised Bahrain's commitment to enhancing cooperation with regional and international partners and creating an enabling infrastructure for economic openness and prosperity. He noted that in 2024, Bahrain ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa for trade, investment, and financial freedom for the third consecutive year. He highlighted the need for governments to adopt policies that support key sectors, driving investment and economic growth.
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa also participated in a high-level ministerial meeting, organised by the UAE Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), titled "Reimagining the Future of Multilateral Cooperation and the Fund for the Future." He highlighted that geopolitical challenges require enhanced multilateral cooperation and leveraging opportunities in artificial intelligence and financial technology to support development and sustainability.