Bahrain and Sri Lanka: A new chapter in trade and economic cooperation
In a major step towards strengthening bilateral trade relations, executives from Export Bahrain and Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) held a meeting on January 8, 2024. The meeting was inaugurated by His Excellency HMGRRK Wijeratne Mendis, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Bahrain. aimed at exploring and promoting trade and economic cooperation between Bahrain and Sri Lanka.
Strengthening bilateral trade relations
At the heart of the discussion was the objective of supporting Bahrain’s micro and small businesses. Safa Sharif A. Khaliq, CEO of Export Bahrain, and Zainab Matluk, colleague from Marketing & Promotion, had an engaging conversation with Dr. Kingsley Barnard, Chairman and CEO of EDB. I did it. The meeting was also actively attended by senior officials from the Sri Lanka Tea Board and representatives from various export sectors of Sri Lanka.
paving the way for economic cooperation
The Bahraini delegation highlighted the role of Export Bahrain in supporting businesses through several support programmes. These include export credit insurance, advisory services, export financing and market intelligence. Additionally, Mr. Sharif personally interacted with Sri Lankan companies and shed light on Bahrain’s market access. She provided valuable insight on agency introductions, supplier connections, and guidance on new licenses and registrations. Her efforts to bridge the gap between the two countries were enthusiastically received by the Sri Lankan participants.
Towards a collaborative future
The Sri Lankan side expressed its keenness to cooperate to overcome trade challenges in Bahrain. The conference concluded with “Export Bahrain” inviting Sri Lankan companies to participate in the Autumn Fair. This gesture highlighted the immense potential of the Bahrain market and the wider Middle East region. The proposal to participate in the Autumn Fair shows positive prospects for the future of trade and economic cooperation between Bahrain and Sri Lanka.