Kerala, Feb. 21 (BNA): Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, led Bahrain’s delegation at the Invest Kerala Global Summit held in Kochi, Kerala, India. 

The summit, organised by the Kerala Industrial Development Corporation, attracted global representatives from various countries and industries.

During the opening session, the minister delivered a keynote speech emphasising the strong historical ties between Bahrain and India, which have grown across various sectors. 

He expressed Bahrain's commitment to enhance these ties, particularly in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship for the benefit of both countries. 

Minister Fakhro highlighted Bahrain’s strategic location, positioning it as a gateway to Middle Eastern and global markets. 

He also mentioned the country's business-friendly policies, including 100% foreign ownership, simplified commercial procedures, and ease of doing business.

He outlined key opportunities in Bahrain’s economic sectors, including advanced manufacturing, fintech, sustainable energy, and industrial manufacturing, which align with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. 

The Minister invited Kerala’s entrepreneurs and investors to leverage Bahrain's developed infrastructure and free trade agreements for access to regional and global markets.

The Minister highlighted four main sectors for potential collaboration, which include technology and digitisation, where Bahrain offers a supportive environment for IT startups; manufacturing and industry, utilising Bahrain's advanced infrastructure for competitive production and export; food security and agriculture, particularly in ag-tech and sustainability; and tourism and hospitality, focusing on health tourism and cultural exchange.

The Minister underscored Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with India, particularly Kerala, by removing trade barriers and simplifying processes to facilitate joint ventures that capitalise on the competitive advantages of both sides.

Minister Fakhro also met with Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Kerala’s Minister of Industry and Law P. Rajeev, and Mr. Yusuf Ali, Chairman of Lulu Group International.

 The summit aims to attract local and international investments in key growth sectors such as tourism, fintech, health innovation, and sustainable industries. It includes panel discussions and investment presentations to foster long-term partnerships for inclusive economic development.

ZH