UK keen on bolstering Bahrain business ties

The UK has a clear interest in helping Bahrain to move forward, British Ambassador, Iain Lindsay, told members of the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) at a lunch at the Regency Intercontinental yesterday attended by about 100 members. He said that since he arrived in Bahrain three weeks ago he had already visited about 30 majlises. "Before I came here people in the UK who know Bahrain told me it was a very friendly place" the ambassador told GDN. "I am committed to giving my support to Bahrain and to building bilateral relationships. "Business is part of my DNA and I want to see more UK companies in Bahrain where there are opportunities for business because Bahrain is a great place to do business." He said UK trade and investment was looking increasingly at emerging markets and the Gulf remained at the centre of UK trade policy. UK business with the Gulf was on a par with China and India combined, was three times greater than with Russia and five times greater than Brazil. "I want to see more UK companies in the Gulf," he said. "Bahrain is not just an important market for the UK but a bridge to Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Gulf. I want the UK to be viewed as the best place in Europe to do business." He said 20 UK companies would take part in the Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference in Bahrain this month.