Canada and Bahrain hold a bilateral Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, which aims to protect Canadian investors through the establishment of a framework of legally binding rights and obligations. The ease of setting up business or opening a branch of a pre-existing company, along with the friendly tax policies, makes Bahrain one of the most preferred locations for foreign investment in the entire GCC region.
Key Investment Sectors
Bahrain offers a host of investment opportunities, which coupled with other advantages, makes it an attractive investment destination. Listed below are some of the sectors that Canadians might want to consider for investment.
Key Investment Sectors
Bahrain offers a host of investment opportunities, which coupled with other advantages, makes it an attractive investment destination. Listed below are some of the sectors that Canadians might want to consider for investment.
- Financial Services – The financial sector of Bahrain already consists of both domestic and international players. Due to healthy levels of competition and a growing economy, the financial services sector offers much scope for expansion and growth. The subsectors include banking, insurance asset management and more.
- Professional and Industrial Services – There is a growing demand of professional services within Bahrain, especially from the financial sector. The ease of access to the other gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, is an added plus point for expansion purposes.
- Logistics – Bahrain is the regional hub for logistics, owing to its strategic location and because of its highly developed road, sea and air routes. It also enjoys the shortest travel time in the entire Gulf region. Bilateral trade agreements with over 60 countries is an added plus point. There is also a multimillion dollar improvement project underway.
- Education and Training – With the oldest education system in the Arabian Peninsula, Bahrain enjoys a reputation for high-quality education and training.
- Manufacturing – It is no secret that the entire gulf region has a huge demand for manufactured goods. The central location of Bahrain reduces freight costs and its membership of the GCC common market ensures duty free trade. A good population of both skilled and unskilled labour is available. Competitive costs are prevalent for labour, industrial land and energy.
- Information Communications and Technology – Bahrain has the Middle East’s only deregulated telecommunications markets. Access to the entire gulf market and s robust track record are some of the defining advantages of investing in this sector. Strict intellectual property rights protect intellectual property and boost software development. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority governs the telecommunications market with low fixed telephony and internet penetration.