Syria News Gazette

Ramallah Ma’an – Following the announcement of the deal to invest in Bank of Palestine shares with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Bank of Palestine signed an agreement to support and provide financing worth 65 million US dollars with a coalition that includes the International Finance Corporation (IFC), PROPARCO – the investment arm of the French Development Agency, and the “SANAD” Fund for financing micro, small and medium enterprises.

The agreement comes at a time when the Palestinian economy is facing recession due to the war on Gaza, which has affected many economic sectors, especially the small and medium-sized enterprises sector, which is the most affected by the current economic challenges. This sector represents the backbone of the Palestinian economy, and constitutes 90% of economic activity in Palestine.

In response to the requirements of empowering this sector, the three international financial institutions have taken t
he initiative to form an alliance aimed at providing additional liquidity to enhance and support SME programs during the current period, in addition to the recovery phase of the Palestinian economy. Through this alliance, the International Finance Corporation is contributing $35 million ($25 million from its own account, in addition to co-financing including a $6.5 million loan from the International Finance Corporation’s Global Financing Program for SMEs, and a $3.5 million loan from the International Finance Corporation’s Private Sector Development Program in the Middle East and North Africa). Meanwhile, Proparco of France will contribute $20 million, and the Sanad Fund $10 million.

‘As long-standing partners of Bank of Palestine, we are proud to stand by the Palestinian economy and are confident that this agreement will achieve its ambitious and important goal of helping Palestinian SMEs survive the current downturn and participate effectively in the upcoming economic recovery phase,’ said Francoise Lomba
rd, CEO of Proparco.

Through its contribution to this alliance, SANAD continues to demonstrate its tangible commitment to empowering SMEs and enhancing the inclusive financial landscape in the Middle East and North Africa. ‘Supporting SMEs is vital to achieving economic stability and growth, especially during challenging times,’ explained Dr. Daniela Buckman, Chairperson of SANAD. ‘SANAD’s contribution underscores our commitment to strengthening the inclusive financial system and empowering small businesses in Palestine. We believe this partnership will contribute to making a significant positive difference and supporting economic recovery efforts in the region,’ she added.

For his part, Hashim Shawa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bank of Palestine Group, said: ‘We affirm the bank’s continued support for financing the small and medium enterprises sector, emphasizing its commitment to contributing to the prosperity of this sector and its customers and beneficiaries. We believe that this agreement, in
partnership with this international coalition that includes the International Finance Corporation, Proparco, and the Sanad Fund, aims to enhance the ability to continue providing the necessary support to this vital economic sector. We realize that enhancing the ability of this sector to continue will contribute to enabling the real economy to recover, recover, and grow.’ Shawa added: ‘We are grateful to work in partnership with development finance institutions that have quickly unified their efforts and created this tool to support small and medium enterprises in record time, and during a very critical period facing the Palestinian economy.’

About the World Bank Group

The World Bank Group has long served the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza to provide them with a dignified life and better opportunities. In the current humanitarian emergency in Gaza, the World Bank Group is working with development partners to provide critical services, including food, water, and essential medical supplies. World
Bank Group programs also provide essential services such as education, health care, and municipal services to the people of the West Bank. The International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, continues to support businesses, enterprises, and small businesses to maintain jobs and financial services to support the economy. The World Bank Group’s programs aim to meet the urgent needs of the people of the West Bank and Gaza and help the Palestinian territories recover.

About the “Sanad” Fund

The SANAD Fund for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) – a fund working in partnership with Finance in Motion – finances micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and low-income households in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and some Sub-Saharan African countries through its partners from accredited financial institutions in those countries. SANAD aims to promote economic development and job creation, including youth employment opportunities, and support agriculture, afforda
ble housing, innovation and financial technologies. SANAD strives to achieve its objectives by providing financing for lending and equity financing to its local partners.

The Sanad Technical Assistance Program (SANAD TAF), managed by Finance in Motion, works to multiply the Fund’s impact and expand its reach through capacity building with partner institutions, developing financial infrastructure in accordance with the principles of responsible finance, and conducting various research and development. The Sanad Entrepreneurship Academy, one of the initiatives of the Sanad Technical Assistance Program, offers a package of support programs for business owners in all regions targeted by the Fund. The Academy works with leading local organizations to incubate and accelerate projects, in order to help entrepreneurs by providing guidance, resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, the opportunity to obtain funding support, and other tools necessary to transform creative ideas into successful projects.

The li
st of investors in the ‘SANAD’ Fund includes: the German Development Bank (KfW), which established the fund; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); the European Union; the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO); the Austrian Development Bank (OeEB); the German GLS Bank and the GLS Treuhand Foundation; the Dutch Development Bank FMO; and Calvert Impact Capital.

For more information about the Sanad Fund for financing micro, small and medium enterprises, please visit: http://www.sanad.lu

About Finance in Motion

Finance in Motion is a global impact asset manager focused exclusively on sustainable development in emerging markets and developing economies. The firm structures, manages and advises impact investment funds that bring together public and private investors to address climate change, support biodiversity conservation, promote sustainable use of natural resources, improve livelihoods and enhance economic opportunities.

About Proparco

Proparco, a subsid
iary of the French Development Agency, has been working with the private sector for more than 45 years to create a more just and sustainable world. Proparco works closely with its partners through an international network of 23 local offices to find sustainable solutions that respond to environmental and social challenges in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Proparco harnesses sector expertise and a wide range of financial solutions tailored to the different stages of business development, thanks to its Digital Africa and Propulse technical support programmes aimed at scaling up the impact and performance of its partners. Through its new strategy ‘Working together for greater impact’ for the years 2023-2027, Proparco contributes to enabling, strengthening and expanding the different mechanisms through which it works with its partners.

To learn more: http://www.proparco.fr/en/strategy, and you can visit: http://www.proparco.fr/en and @Proparco and LinkedIn

About Bank of Palestine

Bank of Pale
stine was established in 1960 and is headquartered in Ramallah. Bank of Palestine is a commercial bank listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange and is subject to the supervision and instructions of the Palestine Monetary Authority. It is the first and largest national bank among 13 financial institutions operating in Palestine, with total assets of $7.126 billion and a market share exceeding one-third of the Palestinian banking sector in terms of customer deposits and credit facilities. The Bank has a leading banking network of 101 branches spread across Palestine, providing services to more than one million customers including individuals, companies, small and medium-sized enterprises and public sector institutions, through a diverse and wide range of distinguished banking services, such as retail banking, corporate banking, digital and mobile banking services, in addition to subsidiary activities and programs. The Bank also plays a leading role in lending to small and medium-sized enterprises, and is a major
contributor to promoting financial inclusion, sustainability and entrepreneurship in Palestine.

For more information, please visit the website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Source: Maan News Agency

Ramallah Ma’an – Following the announcement of the deal to invest in Bank of Palestine shares with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Bank of Palestine signed an agreement to support and provide financing worth 65 million US dollars with a coalition that includes the International Finance Corporation (IFC), PROPARCO – the investment arm of the French Development Agency, and the “SANAD” Fund for financing micro, small and medium enterprises.

The agreement comes at a time when the Palestinian economy is facing recession due to the war on Gaza, which has affected many economic sectors, especially the small and medium-sized enterprises sector, which is the most affected by the current economic challenges. This sector represents the backbone of the Palestinian economy, and constitutes 90% of economic activity in Palestine.

In response to the requirements of empowering this sector, the three international financial institutions have taken t
he initiative to form an alliance aimed at providing additional liquidity to enhance and support SME programs during the current period, in addition to the recovery phase of the Palestinian economy. Through this alliance, the International Finance Corporation is contributing $35 million ($25 million from its own account, in addition to co-financing including a $6.5 million loan from the International Finance Corporation’s Global Financing Program for SMEs, and a $3.5 million loan from the International Finance Corporation’s Private Sector Development Program in the Middle East and North Africa). Meanwhile, Proparco of France will contribute $20 million, and the Sanad Fund $10 million.

‘As long-standing partners of Bank of Palestine, we are proud to stand by the Palestinian economy and are confident that this agreement will achieve its ambitious and important goal of helping Palestinian SMEs survive the current downturn and participate effectively in the upcoming economic recovery phase,’ said Francoise Lomba
rd, CEO of Proparco.

Through its contribution to this alliance, SANAD continues to demonstrate its tangible commitment to empowering SMEs and enhancing the inclusive financial landscape in the Middle East and North Africa. ‘Supporting SMEs is vital to achieving economic stability and growth, especially during challenging times,’ explained Dr. Daniela Buckman, Chairperson of SANAD. ‘SANAD’s contribution underscores our commitment to strengthening the inclusive financial system and empowering small businesses in Palestine. We believe this partnership will contribute to making a significant positive difference and supporting economic recovery efforts in the region,’ she added.

For his part, Hashim Shawa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bank of Palestine Group, said: ‘We affirm the bank’s continued support for financing the small and medium enterprises sector, emphasizing its commitment to contributing to the prosperity of this sector and its customers and beneficiaries. We believe that this agreement, in
partnership with this international coalition that includes the International Finance Corporation, Proparco, and the Sanad Fund, aims to enhance the ability to continue providing the necessary support to this vital economic sector. We realize that enhancing the ability of this sector to continue will contribute to enabling the real economy to recover, recover, and grow.’ Shawa added: ‘We are grateful to work in partnership with development finance institutions that have quickly unified their efforts and created this tool to support small and medium enterprises in record time, and during a very critical period facing the Palestinian economy.’

About the World Bank Group

The World Bank Group has long served the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza to provide them with a dignified life and better opportunities. In the current humanitarian emergency in Gaza, the World Bank Group is working with development partners to provide critical services, including food, water, and essential medical supplies. World
Bank Group programs also provide essential services such as education, health care, and municipal services to the people of the West Bank. The International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, continues to support businesses, enterprises, and small businesses to maintain jobs and financial services to support the economy. The World Bank Group’s programs aim to meet the urgent needs of the people of the West Bank and Gaza and help the Palestinian territories recover.

About the “Sanad” Fund

The SANAD Fund for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) – a fund working in partnership with Finance in Motion – finances micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and low-income households in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and some Sub-Saharan African countries through its partners from accredited financial institutions in those countries. SANAD aims to promote economic development and job creation, including youth employment opportunities, and support agriculture, afforda
ble housing, innovation and financial technologies. SANAD strives to achieve its objectives by providing financing for lending and equity financing to its local partners.

The Sanad Technical Assistance Program (SANAD TAF), managed by Finance in Motion, works to multiply the Fund’s impact and expand its reach through capacity building with partner institutions, developing financial infrastructure in accordance with the principles of responsible finance, and conducting various research and development. The Sanad Entrepreneurship Academy, one of the initiatives of the Sanad Technical Assistance Program, offers a package of support programs for business owners in all regions targeted by the Fund. The Academy works with leading local organizations to incubate and accelerate projects, in order to help entrepreneurs by providing guidance, resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, the opportunity to obtain funding support, and other tools necessary to transform creative ideas into successful projects.

The li
st of investors in the ‘SANAD’ Fund includes: the German Development Bank (KfW), which established the fund; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); the European Union; the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO); the Austrian Development Bank (OeEB); the German GLS Bank and the GLS Treuhand Foundation; the Dutch Development Bank FMO; and Calvert Impact Capital.

For more information about the Sanad Fund for financing micro, small and medium enterprises, please visit: http://www.sanad.lu

About Finance in Motion

Finance in Motion is a global impact asset manager focused exclusively on sustainable development in emerging markets and developing economies. The firm structures, manages and advises impact investment funds that bring together public and private investors to address climate change, support biodiversity conservation, promote sustainable use of natural resources, improve livelihoods and enhance economic opportunities.

About Proparco

Proparco, a subsid
iary of the French Development Agency, has been working with the private sector for more than 45 years to create a more just and sustainable world. Proparco works closely with its partners through an international network of 23 local offices to find sustainable solutions that respond to environmental and social challenges in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Proparco harnesses sector expertise and a wide range of financial solutions tailored to the different stages of business development, thanks to its Digital Africa and Propulse technical support programmes aimed at scaling up the impact and performance of its partners. Through its new strategy ‘Working together for greater impact’ for the years 2023-2027, Proparco contributes to enabling, strengthening and expanding the different mechanisms through which it works with its partners.

To learn more: http://www.proparco.fr/en/strategy, and you can visit: http://www.proparco.fr/en and @Proparco and LinkedIn

About Bank of Palestine

Bank of Pale
stine was established in 1960 and is headquartered in Ramallah. Bank of Palestine is a commercial bank listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange and is subject to the supervision and instructions of the Palestine Monetary Authority. It is the first and largest national bank among 13 financial institutions operating in Palestine, with total assets of $7.126 billion and a market share exceeding one-third of the Palestinian banking sector in terms of customer deposits and credit facilities. The Bank has a leading banking network of 101 branches spread across Palestine, providing services to more than one million customers including individuals, companies, small and medium-sized enterprises and public sector institutions, through a diverse and wide range of distinguished banking services, such as retail banking, corporate banking, digital and mobile banking services, in addition to subsidiary activities and programs. The Bank also plays a leading role in lending to small and medium-sized enterprises, and is a major
contributor to promoting financial inclusion, sustainability and entrepreneurship in Palestine.

For more information, please visit the website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Source: Maan News Agency

Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait Tuba Nur Sonmez said that the anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Turkiye would enhance trade cooperation and new investment opportunities for Kuwaiti and Turkish companies.

In an interview with KUNA, Sonmez said that ongoing negotiations regarding the agreement cover a wide range of areas, including trade in goods, rules of origin, customs procedures, intellectual property rights protection, and investment facilitation.

She explained that the FTA aims to establish a favorable investment environment that will boost trade between the GCC countries and Turkiye, fostering broader economic relations.

The first round of negotiations took place in Ankara in July, and the agreement was expected to be signed soon, she said.

Trade between the GCC and Turkiye increased significantly from USD 1.201 billion in 2002 to USD 31.4 billion in 2023, and Sonmez anticipates continued growth once the agreement was implemented, which woul
d lead to expanded cooperation across various economic sectors.

Sonmez highlighted that 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Turkiye, praising the bilateral relations and affirming Turkiye’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Kuwait in fields such as trade, investment, and tourism.

Economic and commercial relations between Kuwait and Turkiye were witnessing continuous growth, with bilateral trade having reached USD 338 million in the first half of 2023.

The total trade by the end of 2023 stood at approximately USD 688 million, and this was expected to increase in the coming years.

Sonmez emphasized Kuwait’s importance as an economic partner for Turkiye, noting that Turkish contractors have completed 50 projects in Kuwait worth a total of USD 902 billion, adding that Kuwait was considered one of the key markets for Turkish construction firms, and ranking 12th in terms of investments.

One of the most significant projects is Kuwait International Airport,
undertaken by Turkiye’s Limak Construction, with a total cost of KD 1.3 billion (about USD 4.3 billion), marking the largest overseas contract won by Turkish contractors in a single contract.

In addition to construction firms, Turkish consulting firms have also completed 21 technical consulting projects in Kuwait, valued at USD 65 million.

Sonmez added that promising opportunities exist for further cooperation in sectors such as healthcare, education, and banking, with Turkiye aiming to support Kuwait’s sustainable development goals.

Regarding Kuwaiti investments in Turkiye, the ambassador pointed out that Kuwait was among the largest investors in Turkiye, with investments totaling USD 1.096 billion between 2002 and 2023, Turkiye continues to attract more Kuwaiti investments, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy.

Sonmez also outlined Turkiye’s key exports to Kuwait, which in 2023 included clothing, silk, textiles, carpets, metal products, and electrical machin
ery.

Kuwait’s exports to Turkiye comprised steel, plastics, organic chemicals, and industrial machinery, among other goods.

The Turkish tourism sector was also experiencing a surge in Kuwaiti visitors, with around 400,000 Kuwaitis having traveled to Turkiye in 2023.

Also, Kuwaiti nationals purchased 15,000 properties in Turkiye between 2015 and June 2024, reflecting their confidence in the Turkish market.

Sonmez noted that the Turkish-Kuwaiti Agreement on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments, renewed in 2010 and enforced in 2013, has played a key role in strengthening investment relations.

She affirmed that the agreement remains an important foundation for long-term investment collaboration between the two nations.

Regarding defense, Sonmez revealed that Kuwait purchased Turkish Bayraktar TB2 in 2023, underscoring the evolving bilateral relationship in defense industries, in which Turkiye was eager to enhance cooperation in this sector by providing advanced technology and training.

Turkiy
e’s defense industry has seen significant growth, with exports to over 170 countries, and the ambassador emphasized that defense cooperation was not just part of foreign trade but also a strategic element of bilateral relations between Turkiye and Kuwait.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Britain announced on Wednesday that it had signed a tripartite agreement with the United States and Australia to enhance strategic cooperation and address risks that threaten vital supply chains.

The British Department of Business and Trade (DPT) said in a press statement that the signing of the agreement will allow the establishment of a “Flexible Supply Chain Cooperation Group” with the aim of working to strengthen cooperation in data exchange and joint work.

It added that this will enhance joint capabilities to identify and address risks and disruptions in vital supply chains.

The DBT explained that the group will develop an early warning pilot project focusing on the communications supply chain, which is essential for the global digital economies in the three countries.

The statement concluded that this agreement represents a new impetus for the important and historic relationship between the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia and reinforces the mutual commitment to addressing supply cha
in challenges.

The three countries are bound together by a comprehensive military agreement known as (AUKUS) to develop and deploy nuclear-powered submarines with the aim of strengthening the Western presence in the Pacific region.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

A session of GCC-Chinese discussions was held on Wednesday in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, which dealt with joint cooperation and regional and international issues.

The General Secretariat stated in a statement that the session was chaired by the Secretary-General of the GCC, Jasem Al-Budaiwi, and by the Chinese side, Chairman of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Li Qiang, on ways to enhance joint cooperation.

According to the statement, the discussions dealt with enhancing cooperation between the two sides, as well as translating the outcomes of the first Gulf-Chinese summit held in Saudi Arabia in December 2022.

The Secretary-General stressed the importance of moving forward and concluding the negotiations during the next short period as well as implementing the joint action plan for the period (2023-2027).

The session also discussed the exchange of views on a number of regional and international issues, notably the crisis in Gaza and the ongoing violations by the Israeli occupation fo
rces against the brotherly Palestinian people.

According to the statement, the Chinese side stressed the need to work on a ceasefire and implement all relevant international and UN resolutions.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed an eight billion Pound Sterling (USD 10.4 billion) investment from Amazon Web Services, which is estimated to support thousands of jobs across the UK Treasury statement said The Chancellor secured the planned five-year investment last week at a meeting with Amazon Web Services.

The investment is estimated to support around 14,000 jobs per year at local businesses, including those across the company’s data center supply chain such as construction, facility maintenance, engineering and telecommunications, as well as well as other jobs within the broader local economy.

AWS estimates that these investments in the UK will contribute 14 billion Pound Sterling (USD 18.3 billion) to the UK’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 2024 to 2028.

Today’s investment announcement comes ahead of this year’s UK International Investment Summit on October 14, where the UK will bring together the world’s most important companies and investors, demonstrating how the UK’s offer is the best
in the world, with political and economic stability, a strategic government partnering with businesses, a proper trade strategy, and policies designed to enable growth.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

The representative of Bahrain’s King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad affirmed the importance on Wednesday of attracting direct foreign investment.

He continued by saying that additionally making strategic partnerships with top global partners in various fields contributes to raising the national economy and widely improves development.

In a statement by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad, Chairman of Bapco Energies, integrated energy group in Bahrain, announced that BlackRock, world’s largest asset manager, will aquire a minority stake in the Saudi Bahrain Pipeline Company in Bapco’s first asset liquidation. He pointed out that cooperation and investment with BlackRock reflects Bahrain’s attractiveness and Bapco Energies’ innovative model in managing assets and operations to be in line with transformative programs for Bahrain’s energy sector to ensure energy security.

The Saudi Bahrain Pipeline Company owns part of the 112 Km pipeline that supplies crude oil from Saudi Arabia via the
Saudi Arabian Oil Group Aramco to Bahrain via Bapco Energies. BlackRock will own a minority ownership stake in the company’s capital and proceeds in Bapco Energies, to expand its business and drive its modernization and decarbonation efforts.

This investment opportunity between BlackRock and Bapco Energies marks a milestone in Bahrain’s strategic infrastructure assets and in support of Bahrain’s carbon reduction goals.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Athens, Ali Al Baqali, CEO of Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba), participated in the CEO panel titled ‘Industry Insights from Aluminium Primary Producers’ at the Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference 2024. The event is being held from 10-12 September in Greece.

Joining top executives from Hongqiao Group and Century Aluminium, Al Baqali discussed critical issues facing the aluminum industry to include addressing rising smelter costs and the growing demand for value-added products, the impact of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), carbon emissions reduction, and supply chain sustainability as well as industry challenges and future prospects.

He also highlighted market dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa, Alba’s EternAlTM – its Low carbon aluminium product-line and Bahrain’s government efforts toward achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060.

The CEO also visited Elval, one of Alba’s customers to gain insights into their production processes and sustainability initiatives as well as t
o discuss market dynamics and future collaboration opportunities.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Athens, Ali Al Baqali, CEO of Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba), participated in the CEO panel titled ‘Industry Insights from Aluminium Primary Producers’ at the Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference 2024. The event is being held from 10-12 September in Greece.

Joining top executives from Hongqiao Group and Century Aluminium, Al Baqali discussed critical issues facing the aluminum industry to include addressing rising smelter costs and the growing demand for value-added products, the impact of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), carbon emissions reduction, and supply chain sustainability as well as industry challenges and future prospects.

He also highlighted market dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa, Alba’s EternAlTM – its Low carbon aluminium product-line and Bahrain’s government efforts toward achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060.

The CEO also visited Elval, one of Alba’s customers to gain insights into their production processes and sustainability initiatives as well as t
o discuss market dynamics and future collaboration opportunities.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), in cooperation with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), held a joint workshop titled ‘Professional and Academic Diversity and their Role in Empowering Women in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ on September 10-11.

The workshop was held at the Center’s headquarters in Awali, with the participation of a range of stakeholders, academics and entrepreneurs, to learn more about diverse experiences of women in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Dr. Hamad Ebrahim Al Abdulla, Executive Director of Derasat, highlighted the significant achievements of Bahraini women, noting their integral role in the nation’s development and prosperity. He attributed their progress to the support and confidence of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as the government initiatives led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which have e
mpowered Bahraini women to become authentic partners in society.

Dr. Al Abdulla further noted that the foundation of women’s empowerment in Bahrain is rooted in the National Action Charter and the establishment of the Supreme Council for Women, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King.

Dr. Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, highlighted the significance of such initiatives, saying that this workshop “affirms our commitment to supporting women in the region”.

She noted that while women’s contributions to the economy, society, and family have historically been undervalued across the Middle East, there is now increasing recognition of their importance. This shift is creating new opportunities for collaboration and progress, paving the way for a brighter future for women and their communities.

The workshop also included diverse discussions on several key topics, including entrepreneurship and econo
mic opportunities, societal norms and family life, as well as the role of women in arts and culture. Attendees participated in a meaningful dialog on the challenges and opportunities available to enhance the role of women in Bahrain, with a focus on understanding how diverse backgrounds affect these experiences.

The sessions gave a platform for prominent experts who highlighted the role of women in shaping the economic and social landscape in the Kingdom. The workshop provided a rich environment for exchanging ideas and dialog on strategies related to enhancing the role of women in society.

Derasat and Chatham House aim to provide stakeholders with the necessary insights to develop effective programs and initiatives to support women in the Arabian Gulf region, inspired by the pioneering model of Bahraini women. This event reflects the ongoing commitment of Derasat and Chatham House to promote and highlight the various success stories achieved by women in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and to demonstrate the key ro
le they play in shaping the future of the nation and inspiring future generations, while creating more opportunities for growth and constructive contribution.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), in cooperation with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), held a joint workshop titled ‘Professional and Academic Diversity and their Role in Empowering Women in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ on September 10-11.

The workshop was held at the Center’s headquarters in Awali, with the participation of a range of stakeholders, academics and entrepreneurs, to learn more about diverse experiences of women in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Dr. Hamad Ebrahim Al Abdulla, Executive Director of Derasat, highlighted the significant achievements of Bahraini women, noting their integral role in the nation’s development and prosperity. He attributed their progress to the support and confidence of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as the government initiatives led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which have e
mpowered Bahraini women to become authentic partners in society.

Dr. Al Abdulla further noted that the foundation of women’s empowerment in Bahrain is rooted in the National Action Charter and the establishment of the Supreme Council for Women, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King.

Dr. Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, highlighted the significance of such initiatives, saying that this workshop “affirms our commitment to supporting women in the region”.

She noted that while women’s contributions to the economy, society, and family have historically been undervalued across the Middle East, there is now increasing recognition of their importance. This shift is creating new opportunities for collaboration and progress, paving the way for a brighter future for women and their communities.

The workshop also included diverse discussions on several key topics, including entrepreneurship and econo
mic opportunities, societal norms and family life, as well as the role of women in arts and culture. Attendees participated in a meaningful dialog on the challenges and opportunities available to enhance the role of women in Bahrain, with a focus on understanding how diverse backgrounds affect these experiences.

The sessions gave a platform for prominent experts who highlighted the role of women in shaping the economic and social landscape in the Kingdom. The workshop provided a rich environment for exchanging ideas and dialog on strategies related to enhancing the role of women in society.

Derasat and Chatham House aim to provide stakeholders with the necessary insights to develop effective programs and initiatives to support women in the Arabian Gulf region, inspired by the pioneering model of Bahraini women. This event reflects the ongoing commitment of Derasat and Chatham House to promote and highlight the various success stories achieved by women in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and to demonstrate the key ro
le they play in shaping the future of the nation and inspiring future generations, while creating more opportunities for growth and constructive contribution.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Export Bahrain, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), has facilitated the participation of Bahraini enterprises in major HKTDC events throughout 2024. This partnership underscores Export Bahrain’s commitment to supporting local businesses and expanding their international footprint.

Through its collaboration with HKTDC, Export Bahrain played a pivotal role in high-profile exhibitions, including the HKTDC Food Expo PRO, the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, and the Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair. These events highlighted the strength of the partnership and the dedication to broadening market opportunities for Bahraini enterprises across various sectors.

One of the key highlights was CENTRESTAGE (Asia’s Fashion Spotlight), held from September 4-7, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This premier international fashion trade show featured runway shows, designer sessions, and industry seminars, providing invaluable insights into emerging trends and substan
tial networking opportunities.

Export Bahrain’s participation in these exhibitions significantly enhanced the visibility of the participating Bahraini brands and demonstrated their global market potential. Over 45 B2B meetings were conducted, further advancing Bahraini enterprises on the global stage.

Rabab Khalaf, Planning and Market Intelligence Manager at Export Bahrain, emphasised the importance of international collaboration in boosting local enterprises’ global standing: “Our dedication to fostering international engagement is central to enhancing the competitiveness and growth of local businesses, positioning Bahrain as a leading global business hub.”

Lulwa Al Mannai, founder of LAM BRAND, said that Bahrain has played a vital role in facilitating the participation in the platform, which is one of the key exhibitions bringing together a curated selection of specialists and enthusiasts in the fashion industry. This has provided us with a valuable opportunity to meet potential buyers and partners from
various global markets, thereby expanding the scope of international business collaboration.

The ongoing partnership between Export Bahrain and HKTDC marks a significant advancement in trade collaboration, fostering an environment that supports small and medium enterprises in Bahrain, driving economic growth, and enhancing local businesses’ ambitions in global markets.

Source: Bahrain News Agency