BARAN: "WE AIM TO REACH 1 BILLION DOLLARS IN TRADE WITH BAHRAIN"

25-10-2024- Bassam Ahmed Ali Marzooq, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Ankara, visited Gürsel Baran, the Chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), with the aim of enhancing and strengthening economic and commercial relations between Turkey and Bahrain.

During the meeting held at ATO Headquarters, which was attended by ATO Vice President Temel Aktay and ATO Board Member Ahmet Akça, ATO President Gürsel Baran emphasized that while Turkey and Bahrain have a long-standing relationship, this history has not been sufficiently reflected in commercial relations. Baran stated, "The trade volume, which is under 1 billion dollars, does not reflect the potential of our two countries. We aim to expand our trade by exploring cooperation opportunities in sectors such as transportation, food, tourism, aluminum, textiles, and information technologies."

Although Bahrain is the smallest of the Gulf countries, Baran highlighted the favorable business environment in Bahrain, which has made it one of the countries where Turkish companies have undertaken projects. He mentioned, "The construction of your capital's Manama Airport was carried out by a Turkish company. A Turkish clothing company recently opened a store in your country. Another Turkish company is making an investment to set up a solar energy plant in Bahrain. Turkish contractors have undertaken residential construction projects, and the total value of projects by Turkish contractors in your country amounts to 1.5 billion dollars."

Baran also provided detailed information about the Ankara Chamber of Commerce and the economy of Ankara.

"THERE IS MUCH WE CAN LEARN FROM TURKEY IN TOURISM"

In his speech, Bahrain's Ambassador Bassam Ahmed Ali Marzooq highlighted that economic relations between the two countries have become more important than diplomatic relations. He stated, "Currently, the trade volume between Turkey and Bahrain stands at around 500 million dollars, and we believe it will increase thanks to cooperation between the private and public sectors."

Noting that Turkey is the second-largest country in the world in the construction sector, Ambassador Marzooq pointed out that representatives of the construction sector could undertake projects in Bahrain and invited investors to his country. He also emphasized that Turkey ranks fifth in the world in tourism and hospitality, saying, "There is much we can learn from Turkey in tourism. We could organize an event to share your experiences."

Ambassador Marzooq added that Bahrain aims to reach a trade volume of 1 billion dollars with Turkey by cooperating in various fields, including iron and steel, aluminum, finance, and communication technologies. He also extended an invitation to ATO President Baran and his delegation to visit Bahrain.