Delegation holds high-level meetings with Japanese dignitaries, government ministers and business leaders
10 October 2008 Tokyo, Japan: His Highness Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince of Bahrain and Chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), and H.E. Shaikh Mohammed Bin Essa Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive of the EDB, during an official visit to Tokyo this week, reaffirmed the board’s continued commitment to forging close relationships with Japan and to encouraging investment, commerce and trade between both countries.
The EDB is a dynamic public agency charged with formulating and overseeing the economic development strategy of Bahrain, and for creating the proper climate to attract direct investment into the Kingdom.
His Highness discussed future economic developments between Japan and the Gulf during private audiences with HIM the Emperor of Japan and HIH the Crown Prince Hironomiya, and during separate meetings with Prime Minster Taro Aso, Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Toshihiro Nikai, and officials from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan Cooperation Centre for the Middle East (JCCME), the Middle East Research Institute (MERI), and Japanese businesses in the financial, industrial services and manufacturing sectors, among others.
During the visit, receptions were held by Nomura Securities, Daiwa Securities, and the EDB/Embassy of Bahrain as expressions of welcome and respect for His Highness and as means for strengthening the already deep relationship between Japan and Bahrain.
At the reception held by Nomura Securities on October 8th, His Highness celebrated the mutual respect maintained between Bahrain and Nomura Securities, which has been present in the Kingdom for 28 years, and reiterated his respect for Japan, which through hard work and endeavour has overcome a lack of natural resources to become the world’s second largest economy.
His Highness stated: "At such a critical turning point in history, sustaining the fruitful partnership between our two nations has never been more important."
The EDB/Embassy of Bahrain reception, held on October 9th, featured a presentation by Shaikh Mohammed Bin Essa Al-Khalifa; entitled "Invitation to Business Friendly Bahrain," the presentation demonstrated to an audience of more than 70 executives from a broad spectrum of industries how Japanese companies can leverage on Bahrain’s unique assets to grow their business in the Gulf.
Shaikh Mohammed Bin Essa Al-Khalifa said: "With the freest economy in the Gulf, Bahrain is the region’s most business friendly environment. Our efforts remain focused on providing the best value proposition for our Japanese partners, and given our cost competitiveness, attractive regulated environment, strong infrastructure and track record of support for Japanese companies, we can assure you that Bahrain delivers."
At the reception held by Daiwa Securities on October 9th, His Highness said: "Bahrain will continue focusing on three major themes: improvement of regulations and laws, investment in human resources, and stimulation of the economy. Using Japan’s experience as a guide, we will endeavor to advance Bahrain’s development."
On October 10th, at Waseda University, His Highness gave a speech entitled "The Middle East: From the Inside Looking Out," in which he issued the call for Japan and Bahrain to work together to embrace and overcome the challenges of a rapidly changing international landscape.
His Highness said: "You have walked a path of global responsibility that we now look to emulate. We too are looking at how we can future-proof our economy by investing in our people, our infrastructure, our wellbeing and our surroundings as we move into the next critical phase of economic development.
"So, I would like to see us work together to build on our individual strengths and successes – bringing out the best in one another, and helping to create balanced and fruitful long-term partnerships. Partnerships that have and will bring the best results for our people."
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
About The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is a dynamic public agency with an overall responsibility for formulating and overseeing the economic development strategy of Bahrain, and for creating the right climate to attract direct investment into the Kingdom.
The role of the Bahrain EDB is to provide leadership by uniting all of the Kingdom's shareholders through a unified vision, and to develop key strategies for growth. The Bahrain EDB also acts as a facilitator, helping all of Bahrain's stakeholders to understand and adopt the changes necessary for progress. In addition, the Bahrain EDB provides sound project management to ensure that all agreed reform initiatives are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
The Bahrain EDB is also responsible for attracting inward investment into Bahrain, and is focusing on six target economic sectors in which the Kingdom offers significant strengths. These are financial services, downstream industries, tourism, business services, logistics, education and training.
More information on the Bahrain EDB is available on the Bahrain EDB’s website on www.bahrainedb.com
EDB Mission Statement
Our mission is to grow and diversify Bahrain’s economy by developing a strategy that supports the advancement of a modern and liberalized business environment, encourages inward investment and enables us to compete in the global marketplace.
We are dedicated to raising living standards by creating greater opportunities for our citizens and to make Bahrain the Gulf’s most welcoming, business friendly location. We will accomplish these goals by working in partnership with the public and private sectors, and by being passionate, professional and innovative in all that we do.
For more information, please contact:
Weber Shandwick PR for the EDB
Tomoko Fujimoto
Telephone: +81-3-5427-7373
Email: tfujimoto@webershandwick.com
Vicki Morley (WS London)
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7067 0707 (Direct)
Mobile: + 44 (0) 789 409 4577
Email: vmorley@webershandwick.com