Manama:Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, attended a gala dinner organized by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bahrain (FCCIB). The event, themed 'A Night in Paris,' brought together notable figures including Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, and Eric Giraud-Telme, Ambassador of the French Republic to Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikh Salman conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, emphasizing the commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with France. The minister stressed the importance of partnerships between the private sectors of both countries to capitalize on Bahrain's business environment for economic growth.
The minister highlighted the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron as a testament to the robust partnership between the two nations. He underscored the need to translate leadership agreements into initiatives that bolster cooperation across sectors and support sustainable future partnerships.
Shaikh Salman noted the historical ties between Bahrain and France, extending beyond commercial interests to cultural and educational collaborations. He pointed out the long-standing French language education at the University of Bahrain and the cultural exchange efforts by Alliance Française.
Further, the minister mentioned the significant developments in bilateral cooperation, such as Aluminium Bahrain's acquisition of Aluminium Dunkerque and the strategic partnership between Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company and French investment firm TRAIL. The trade between the two countries has reportedly more than tripled over the past decade.
Looking ahead, Shaikh Salman emphasized opportunities to strengthen cooperation in sectors like energy, technology, and sustainable finance, leveraging French expertise in these areas.