MANAMA: A delegation of Welsh companies led by International Business Wales (IBW) is in Bahrain to promote trade ties. The companies cover a diverse range of industries including education and training, agriculture and farming, construction, oil and gas and chemical and petrochemical.
They will be underlining their market expertise and showcasing latest innovations during meetings with leading local companies, government officials and businessmen to promote and increase bilateral trade relations between Bahrain and Wales.
Over the past 15 years Wales has experienced broad diversification within its economy, and as a result has seen dramatic growth in its business sectors.
The country is now firmly placed on the map as a leading provider of quality UK products and services in Bahrain and other GCC countries.
The delegation will be in Bahrain until Tuesday.
As a government body, International Business Wales makes it possible for Welsh companies to explore and expand their business opportunities in the Gulf and wider Middle East.
To date IBW has assisted over 400 Welsh enterprises enter and set up operations in the Middle East.
Welsh companies exported millions of pounds worth of products alone to Bahrain during last year.
IBM vice-president for the Middle East Lee Jennings believes that much more is to come as trade ties strengthen.
"Wales has developed a reputation as a producer of world class goods and services. We've seen tremendous interest over the past few days from businessmen and women in the region and we believe that Bahrain's private sector will be even more eager to develop ties and co-operate with Welsh companies," Mr Jennings said.
"We're here to show what Wales can offer to the world, to Bahraini businesses and consumers, to underline that we can deliver top quality to a country where consumers and businesses are becoming ever more discerning.
"We're not just here to highlight the best of Wales' exports. The country is an ideal location for international investment," he said.
"The cost benefits of relocating to Wales and using it as a strategic base is clear to investors from around the globe; currently there are approximately 500 international companies already based there, including 180 from the US, more than 50 Japanese and more than 200 organisations from the European Union.
"In the past 25 years alone almost 1,500 companies have invested a total of $26 billion into Wales," said Mr Jennings.
In addition to identifying potential business opportunities, the IBW delegation will be meeting with financial experts, who will be advising the Welsh companies on the mission about the health of Bahrain's economy, the country's growth and its economic diversification, as well as how Welsh businesses can work closely with partners in the kingdom to provide high-quality skills, services and solutions.
