Phl firms urged to do business in Bahrain

MANILA, Philippines -  Philippine firms are advised to consider doing business in Bahrain and other Gulf states given available opportunities there.

Speaking at the Pre-Business Summit Orientation for the upcoming Arab Philippines Business Summit 2013 yesterday, Bahrain World Economic Summit (Philippines), Inc. (BWESPI) spokesperson Edward Keith Capoy said they would like companies in the Philippines to explore opportunities in Bahrain as well as other Gulf states to foster business relationships.

To learn about available opportunities there, Philippine firms are encouraged to participate in the upcoming business summit to be held in Manama in Bahrain in May.

“The first Arab Philippines Business Summit is the biggest venture to interconnect the Philippines to the Gulf states, he said.

The Arab Philippines Business Summit 2013 will serve as a venue for businesses in the Philippines to tap more opportunities in Bahrain and other member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Oman. The summit will also feature business matching activities.

Business opportunities in the areas of infrastructure, real estate and tourism, manpower and skills, handicrafts as well as agriculture will be discussed during the summit.

Capoy said that while Philippine firms are being encouraged to consider opportunities for business in Bahrain and other Gulf states, there is also strong interest from Arab firms to invest in the Philippines and partner with Filipinos.

“In the Philippines, Middle East investors are most likely to invest in infrastructure and agriculture, among others, so we encourage companies in the Philippines to take part in the many opportunities that will be provided during the summit,” he said.

For his part, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, first cousin of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain said in the same event that the royal family is interested in promoting business and economic ties with the Philippines given its favorable economic prospects.