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Top aluminium conference to draw 600 delegates
09/09/2010; Manama, The 25th International Aluminium Conference, to be held in Bahrain from September 20 – 22, 2010, will attract more than 600 delegates from across the globe.
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Bahrain industrial city investments set to hit $7.5bn
08/12/2010; Manama, Investments in Bahrain's Salman Industrial City have hit $3.5 billion and are expected to reach $7.6 billion soon, a report said.
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Bahrain economic growth on track
7/9/2010; Bahraini employment rose over the last decade by 39 per cent and Bahraini wages increased 54 per cent according to an economic review of the kingdom carried out by the Economic Development Board (EDB).
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30 US firms seeking to invest in Bahrain
June 9, 2010; MANAMA: A total of 30 US companies have expressed an interest in setting up businesses in Bahrain. They have been holding talks with a top level delegation to the US from the kingdom led by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and supported by private sector companies.
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Bahrain in new push to bolster US trade
June 7, 2010;MANAMA: A Bahraini delegation, led by Economic Development Board (EDB) chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, will arrive in the US today to hold key business talks and sign agreements.
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Mumtalakat launches new brand and corporate id
June 6, 2010 Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the investment company for the Kingdom of Bahrain, today launched its new brand and corporate identity.
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Bahrain sea ports net profit surges 33pc
May 26, 2010; Manama:The Bahrain General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) said its total net profit for 2009 surged to BD6.6 million ($17.5 million), registering a 33 per cent increase over the previous year.
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“Mclaren Move Reflects Bahrain Track Record As Gateway To Trillion Dollar Gulf”: EDB
04/22/2010, Manama; News that McLaren Automotive has chosen Bahrain for its regional HQ reflects the Kingdom’s own track record as an international business hub, according to Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB).
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Bahrain eyes key push to boost US trade ties
April 15, 2010; MANAMA: A delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain) discussed means to promote trade relations during a visit to the US.
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CNBC selects Bahrain as hub for Middle East
March 15, 2010; MANAMA: Business news television channel CNBC yesterday announced it is making Bahrain its Middle East hub. The announcement, at the Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, means that the channel will create a regional editorial hub in Bahrain to cover the Middle East. The facility is expected to be operational in the second quarter of the year.
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BAHRAIN IN FAST LANE
March 11, 2010; MANAMA: Bahrain is on the fast-track to a new economic era, fuelling private sector growth and greater diversification, it was declared last night.
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TRAX USA Corp announces a new partnership with Gulf Air
3/2/2010 Manama,Bahrain TRAX USA Corp. is proud to announce a new partnership with Gulf Air, the national airline of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
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The State Department and Small Business Administration Partner to Promote Entrepreneurs
February 19, 2010 The State Department’s Office of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) is pleased to announce the signing of two new Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the governments of Bahrain and Oman to promote entrepreneurship in the Middle East and expand trade opportunities for America’s small businesses.
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20 million visit e-government portal
February 09, 2010: Manama, Bahrain: Twenty million people have visited Bahrain e-government portal since the national e-government strategy was launched. A new set featuring 13 new e-services will be added to www.bahrain.bh next month, bringing the overall number of services to 124.
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Bahrain attracting investments into manufacturing sector
02/01/2010 Manama; Already well on the way to a diversified economy, Bahrain is looking to reap the rewards of this policy, while also ramping up efforts to attract further investments into its manufacturing sector.
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Bahrain 'a model of financial success'
01/29/2010 Davos; Bahrain's successful economic policies have earned the nation a global recognition as a vital regional hub, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Economic Development Board chairman, said at a key summit in Davos.
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OPEN TO THE WORLD
MANAMA: Bahrain yesterday wrote a new chapter in its commercial history with the opening of Khalifa Bin Salman Port. "The KBSP terminal represents a key pillar of our national economy and confident development march," His Majesty King Hamad said.
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Bahrain Hosts Food & Hospitality Expo
October 28, 2009: From January 12-14, 2010, the Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) will hold the 2nd Annual Food & Hospitality Expo, including food, beverage, and hospitality industry professionals. For three days, Hall 2A of Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre will be filled with leading companies and organizations.
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The Reef Mall to Open
October 28, 2009: In the pipelines for the past seven years, The Reef Mall at Malkiya will finally open to the public in December, officials stated last week. First proposed in 2002 by His Majesty King Hamad, the mall cost $27 million to complete and will create over 600 new jobs.
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Bahrain economy 'set to grow 4pc'
10/14/2009, MANAMA: Bahrain's economy is set to grow by more than four per cent next year, according to Economic Development Board (EDB) chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa. This comes against a backdrop of reduced growth across the region as a result of the financial crisis.
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Bahraini minister to head IMF committee
Bahrain’s finance minister has been appointed head of the development committee of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, a consensus-building forum that deals with financial issues in the developing world.
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Bahrain FDI Increases 2%
September 29, 2009: Despite the global credit crunch and a severe slowing of foreign direct investment (FDI) worldwide, FDI to Bahrain saw a two percent increase last year, totaling nearly $1.8 billion.
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Bahrain Targets Four Sectors for 2012
September 29, 2009 : Based on a recent study conducted by the Allen Consulting Group, Bahrain is looking to focus on job growth in health, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, and infrastructure and service sectors.
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Bahrain labour market regulation ranked world's best
Sep. 23,2009: Bahrain has the world's best labour market regulations and is among the 20 freest economies according to the independent Economic Freedom of the World 2009 report published by the Fraser Institute, 17th September 2009.
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Bahrain 'regional hub for telecom services'
Bahrain is well positioned to serve as the regional hub to provide telecommunication services and information and technology training, according to US Ambassador Adam Ereli.
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Bahrain Achieves Top Regional Trade Ranking
August 17, 2009: Bahrain ranks among the world’s premier regional countries for trade, the World Economic Forum reported recently. The Kingdom, once placed 37th, leaped 13 places this past year to 24th on the Enabling Trade Index (ETI) of the Global Enabling Trade Report 2009.
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Bahrain Bankers to Send Delegation to IMF/World Bank Forum
August 17, 2009: Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) will send a financial delegation to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings in October in Turkey. The annual two-day event will be held in Istanbul.
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New service launched
MANAMA: In response to changing market conditions in Bahrain and across the Middle East, Ernst & Young has introduced CoreSolutions, a new service which will help companies to gain an oversight of its financial position.
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Tamkeen, TRA agreement to boost Bahraini participation in telecoms sector
August 4, 2009: Tamkeen (Labour Fund) and Bahrains Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) signed a cooperation agreement that will see the two agencies work together to build a bigger and stronger corps of Bahraini professionals in the Kingdoms telecoms sector.
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Majali takes over as new Gulf Air chief executive
August 3, 2009: Gulf Air's newly appointed chief executive officer began his first day on the job yesterday at the airline's Muharraq headquarters.
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Bahrain inks economic MoUs with Sri Lanka
July 31, 2009: Bahrain and Sri Lanka have signed a number of MoUs to enhance bilateral trade ties during the visit of the Prime Minister of Bahrain, Shaikh Khallifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, to the island nation.
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NBB and Gulf Air seal major promotion deal
July 30, 2009: NBB and Gulf Air have signed a major joint promotion aimed at providing value to both their customers. Through this partnership, NBB customers will get a 10 per cent discount on the ticket price, when they buy Gulf Air tickets.
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Bahrain plans 600 new homes in six months
July 28, 2009: Bahrain is planning to build 600 homes in just six months to help ease the kingdom’s housing shortage.
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BMI announces preliminary half yearly results
July 23, 2009: Bahrain based BMI Bank (BMI), an associate of BankMuscat the largest financial services provider in Oman, announced its preliminary results for the first half of the year ended 30 June 2009.
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Bahrain bank boosts credit card security
July 22, 2009: Ahli United Bank (AUB) has improved the security and safety features of its credit cards through the launch of its new SMS alert service.
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Bahrain-Russia business boost
July 20, 2009: Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro yesterday hailed Global Cargo and Traveller managing director Huda Janahi for promoting Bahrain and Russia trade. Ms Janahi recently signed an agreement with Russia-based ALUM International Group, which specialises in manufacturing and engineering buildings.
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Leading banker new GFH chief
July 20, 2009: The Gulf Finance House (GFH) has appointed a leading international banker as its new chief executive officer. Ahmed Fahour, who is taking over the post, is the former executive director and chief executive officer for the Australian operations at National Australia Bank (NAB).
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Manara unveils project blueprint
July 15, 2009: Bahrain-based Manara Developments has unveiled the concept masterplan for Investment Gateway - Bahrain which was previously known as the Al Hidd development project. This milestone represents an important step towards bringing this significant project to fruition.
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Global business mood improving says SICO
July 13, 2009: Bahrain-based investment bank Securities & Investment Company (SICO) said there has been a mild revival in the global economy since the first quarter of the year.
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Group to boost ICT awareness
July 13, 2009: A trade association group has been formally established between a number of local and international information and communications companies.
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Better Services for People Vow
July 6, 2009: The Deputy King and Chairman of the Economic Development Board (EDB) Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa stressed on the importance of strategy in implementing major projects.
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Invest in Bahrain!
July 2, 2009: Bahraini businessmen are pumping money into their own country, in a clear vote of confidence in the economy, it was declared yesterday.
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Chance for SMEs to Explore Business Prospects
June 30, 2009: More than 100 small- to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) were represented at a two-day seminar which opened yesterday to help them boost exports from Bahrain.
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Expo City Investors Revealed
June 30, 2009: A private company will own and manage the BD307 million Expo City in Sakhir, it was announced yesterday.
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Skills Training Success for Graduates
June 29, 2009: The 'Entrepreneurship Orientation Training Programme' was declared a success by its participants.
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Peace Hope
June 28, 2009: Bahrain and the US raised the flag of hope for peace in the Middle East yesterday.
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Action Plan to Handle Disasters
June 25, 2009: Bahrain is drawing up an emergency plan to protect the country from potentially catastrophic environmental disasters.
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Traders Praised
June 25, 2009: Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro yesterday praised stores and market traders for responding positively to government-backed initiatives, ensuring price stability and sufficient supplies.
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BCCI Team on Trade Mission
June 24, 2009: A high-profile delegation representing Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry will today start a visit to the Philippines and Thailand.
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Small Businesses to Benefit from New Mohasaba Project
June 24, 2009: Tamkeen has teamed up with leading auditing and financial services companies to boost business for small to medium-sized enterprises and larger operations.
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BAB to Promote Islamic Banks
June 23, 2009: The Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) is to have a national pavilion for the first time at this year's World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC) in the kingdom.
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Bahrain Economy Hailed
June 23, 2009: During a recent meeting held at Gudaibiya Palace, the Prime Minister H.H. Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa emphasized the importance of Bahrain’s economy in determining government initiatives and programs.
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Blueprint for Green Bahrain
June 23, 2009: Bahrain is in the process of constructing a “green” building plan for its future city and urban development projects. The initiative, titled The National Planning Development Strategy, expects to improve the country’s housing sector in many ways, including the guarantee of more housing for all Bahraini citizens, provision of modern infrastructure, and the maintenance of an agreement between economic development and the protection of national resources.
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Firm Signs Distribution Deal
June 19, 2009: Bahrain-based takaful provider t'azur Company has signed a distribution agreement with Tas'heelat Insurance for its motor and property plans.
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Insurance Executives Optimistic on Outlook
June 19, 2009: Insurance executives are cautiously optimistic about the next 12 months, with many expecting to experience growth. That is the conclusion of a survey carried out by KPMG International and the Economist Intelligence Unit.
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A Landmark Agreement
June 18, 2009: Bahrain made history yesterday with the signing of a labour agreement with India, which supplies the majority of its foreign workforce. It means Indian expats in Bahrain will now receive better protection against unscrupulous bosses, including housemaids who are not covered by Bahrain's Labour Law.
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Bahrain Awards $60-million Contract to CAE for Flight Simulator, Services
June 18, 2009: CAE Inc. (TSX:CAE) has sold two additional full-flight simulators for training crews of Airbus commercial jets and a suite of support services to the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Co., an arm of the kingdom's government.
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Bahrain Posts Strongest Insurance Growth in 2008
June 18, 2009: The Bahrain insurance market posted its strongest annual growth in 2008 with gross premiums surging by 34 per cent to BD183.3 million (Dh1.78 billion), the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) said yesterday.
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Church’s Chicken sold to Calif. company
June 18, 2009: Atlanta-based Church’s Chicken is changing ownership, four and half years after being bought by Arcapita Bank, a Bahrain-based investment firm with a U.S. office in Atlanta.
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Insurance Market Posts Record Growth in Bahrain
June 18, 2009: Bahrain's insurance market is booming and creating new jobs in the kingdom. The market posted its strongest-ever annual growth during last year, with gross premiums surging by 34 per cent to register BD183.3m ($486.3m).
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More Farmlands Using Recycled Water
June 18, 2009: Bahrain has dramatically increased the area of farmland irrigated with recycled, treated sewage water, it was announced yesterday.
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Mumtalakat Makes Senior Appointments
June 18, 2009: Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the Bahrain-based investment company, today announces three significant senior management appointments to its management team.
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Mumtalakat Orders Two Additional Full-Flight Simulators to Support Gulf Air Pilot Training
June 18, 2009: Today at the Paris Air Show, CAE announced that it has sold two additional full-flight simulators (FFS) and a suite of support services to Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company ("Mumtalakat"), the investment arm of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the owner of Gulf Air, Bahrain's national carrier.
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Outlook 'is Upbeat for Islamic Investments'
June 17, 2009: The outlook for structured Islamic investment deals has not diminished despite the global economic downturn. That is the view of Bahrain-based Seera Bank which recently received the deal of the year award by the Financial Times' Banker magazine for its acquisition of UK water treatment specialist company BWA.
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GOP Unveils Plans for Major Storage Facility
June 16, 2009: The General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) has unveiled plans to create a customs-free storage, warehousing and commercial service building in the vicinity of the Khalifa Bin Salman Port.
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Pilot Training Plan Takes Off
June 16, 2009: Bahrainis aged 18 to 30 years will now have the opportunity to acquire the highest standard of pilot licence thanks to a Cadet Pilot Training Programme.
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Bahrain a 'Gateway to Billion-Dollar Markets'
June 15, 2009: Bahrain's ability to assist international companies in global recession was highlighted at a key event in London.
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Bahrain ‘to Become Hub for Eco-Friendly Products’
June 12, 2009: Bahrain is set to become the regional hub for eco-friendly cleaning products and paints. Balmoral Services is set to launch a range of environment-friendly products here to capture the regional market covering both consumers and industry.
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Humanitarian Gesture
June 10, 2009: Government ministers and VIPs from across the Gulf were honoured for their support of humanitarian projects in the Middle East at an event in Bahrain.
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Bahrain in New Push to Promote Logistics Sector
June 9, 2009: A delegation from Bahrain is in Germany to promote the kingdom's logistics credentials at a key summit. The 11th Annual European Supply Chain & Logistics Summit is being held in Dusseldorf tomorrow.
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GCC Hotels May Create 1.5m Jobs
June 9, 2009: The hospitality industry in Bahrain and the Gulf could offer 1.5 million new jobs in the next four years, according to a top training provider.
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Bahrain Woos New Investors
June 2, 2009: Bahrain's investment potential took centre stage yesterday when Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Com-mander and Economic Deve-lopment Board chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
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Exchange Bill Cleared
May 27, 2009: The Bahrain Stock Exchange Company could soon be shifted from under the Central Bank of Bahrain authority to the Industry and Commerce Ministry.
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We are Ready for any Disaster
May 18,2009: Bahrain has stepped up its defenses against natural disasters, to combat the increasing risk worldwide, it declared yesterday.
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Bahrain Helps Shape Policy in the Region
May 14, 2009: Bahrain is helping to shape US policy in the region, with ever-strengthening ties between the two countries, said the US Ambassador.
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Municipal Festival Opens
May 12, 2009: Municipal work is a key component of sustained development and a major pillar of the Bahrain 2030 Economic Vision, a top government official said yesterday.
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Bahrain Push to Stimulate Economy
May 5, 2009 : Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa stressed the government's resolve to forge ahead with plans to stimulate the economy.
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BFH base for Knight Frank
April 30, 2009: London-headquartered global property consultancy Knight Frank will open its first office at the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH).
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BMI Bank Posts $1.4m Net Profit in First Quarter
April 30, 2009: Bahrain-based Securities & Investment Company (SICO) is forecasting a recovery in regional equity markets in the latter part of this year and early next year.
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Bahrain Sets Pace as McLaren Seeks Car Funds
April 27, 2009: Ron Dennis, the former head of the McLaren Formula One team, appears to have secured his first investor as he seeks £250 million to launch a new range of British-built sports cars.
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Financial Sector Growth 'is Steady in Bahrain'
April 24, 2009: The global financial crisis has reminded us all that fundamentals matter in economics.
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Tamkeen's Career Programme helps 3000
April 23, 2009: A record 3,000 Bahrainis have sought additional skills towards improving their productivity and the level of job satisfaction.
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Durrat Al Bahrain Exhibits at Cityscape Abu Dhabi
April 22. 2009: Durrat Al Bahrain, the Kingdom's largest planned luxury residential, commercial and tourist resort development is exhibiting at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2009.
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Bahrain-Based Islamic Bank Expected to Raise $400 Million
Islamic bank Arcapita hopes to conclude a $400 million rights issue from current shareholders by the end of April, according tocChief executive Atif Abdulmalik. More than two thirds of the rights issue has secure commitments and currently negotiations with shareholders continue.
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Bahrain Financial Exchange Plans to Launch 10-15 Contracts in 2010
April 15, 2009: The Bahrain Financial Exchange, or BFX, plans to launch 10-15 contracts when it launches next year.
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Zain Bahrain Adds Value to Customers' Generous Gaza Gesture of $100,000
April 15, 2009: Zain Bahrain contributes richly to an SMS donation for Gaza victims.
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Mortgage Securitization to Drive Islamic Growth
April 13, 2009: The securitization of mortgages will be the next catalyst of growth for Islamic finance.
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Um Kalthum Pieces Inspire Charity Event
April 4, 2009: Um Kalthum pieces inspire charity event in aid of the Bahrain children & mothers welfare society.
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Bahrain Gateway Opens for Business
April 1, 2009: The Upper Gulf Bahrain Gateway hub, located at Khalifa bin Salman port, has finally opened for business, nine years after the project was officially confirmed by the local government.
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Waging War on Financial Crisis
March 25, 2009: The GCC states are in a strong position to tackle the financial crisis and build on their economic success, Central Bank of Bahrain Governor Rasheed Al Maraj said yesterday.
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Occidental and Mubadala Sign Interim Agreement for Bahrain Field Development
March 16, 2009: Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) and Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala) announced today that they have signed an Interim Agreement with the National Oil and Gas Authority of Bahrain (NOGA) for the further development of the Bahrain Field.
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Financial Sector Jobs Boost for Bahrainis
February 27, 2009: Employment growth in Bahrain's financial services sector last year reinforces the kingdom's status as a leading financial centre in the Middle East.
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Top Security Firm Opens in Bahrain
February 25, 2009: GE Security has announced the opening of a Pro Express Security Showroom in Sitra. The 'one-address, one-stop shop' will be operated by Security 1, a division of the Ebrahim K Kanoo Group.
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Jobs Boom
February 23: Bahrain's financial services industry added more than 1,700 new jobs last year, it was revealed yesterday.
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Bahrain Salaries Highest in Region
February 20, 2009: Bahrain is one of the highest earning countries in the Middle East, according to a new study. The GCC Salary Survey and Cost of Living Analysis questioned more than 13,500 people from 20 employment sectors in 13 countries.
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835 BAS Bahraini Employees to Benefit from Tamkeen Career Progression Programme
February 18, 2009: Eight hundred and thirty-five Bahraini employees at Bahrain Airport Services will receive dedicated training to improve and develop the skills and productivity of their Bahraini employees under an agreement signed between BDO Jawad Habib (BDO-JH) and Bahrain Airport Services (BAS).
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Bahrain-US trade booming
February 18, 2009: In spite of the global downturn, international trade between the US and Bahrain continues to boom. Last year bilateral trade between the two countries reached $2.19 billion, an increase of more than 12 per cent on the previous year, US Chamber of Commerce senior vice-president, international affairs, Daniel A Christman said yesterday.
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Wall Street sets up Shop in Bahrain
February 18, 2009: Bahrain Financial Harbour will be home to the Wall Street Oraganization's WLL new Middle East headquarters.
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Bahrain Islamic Bank receives 'Best Islamic Institutional Finance Bank in the Gulf Prize'
February 7, 2009: Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) has been granted 'Best Islamic Institutional Finance bank in the Gulf region Prize', bestowed on BisB by 'World Finance' magazine, in the context of its annual prizes awards.
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Wall Street Opens ME Base in Bahrain
January 31, 2009: The Wall Street Organization WLL, a international firm specialising in the marketing of capital formation for standard and securities transactions within the Middle East, has announced the opening of its Middle East headquarters, in Bahrain Financial Harbour.
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