Bahrain Stock Exchange demonstates impressive growth in 2008

Notes and media contacts

About the Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE)

The Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE), established in 1989, is recognized as the most open capital market in the GCC region. 52 companies, 19 bonds (both conventional and Islamic) and 42 mutual funds are currently listed on the Exchange.

There are 14 brokers active in the market and day to day activity takes place through automated trading system (ATs). The clearing, settlement and Central Depository System are also automated. A framework of sound risk management and internal controls are in place.

Bahrain's capital market is under the regulation and supervision of the Central Bank of Bahrain's (CBB) Capital Markets Supervision Directorate which overseas both primary and secondary markets. The Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE) is a self regulatory organization and front line regulator of the issuers listed on the BSE. The BSE is a licensee and under the supervision of the CBB.

About The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is a dynamic public agency with an overall responsibility for formulating and overseeing the economic development strategy of Bahrain, and for creating the right climate to attract direct investment into the Kingdom.

The role of the Bahrain EDB is to provide leadership by uniting all of the Kingdom's shareholders through a unified vision, and to develop key strategies for growth. The Bahrain EDB also acts as a facilitator, helping all of Bahrain's stakeholders to understand and adopt the changes necessary for progress. In addition, the Bahrain EDB provides sound project management to ensure that all agreed reform initiatives are implemented in an effective and timely manner.

The Bahrain EDB is also responsible for attracting inward investment into Bahrain, and is focusing on six target economic sectors in which the Kingdom offers significant strengths. These are financial services, downstream industries, tourism, business services, logistics and health, education and training.

Our mission is to grow and diversify Bahrain's economy by developing a strategy that supports the advancement of a modern and liberalized business environment, encourages inward investment and enables us to compete in the global marketplace.

We are dedicated to raising living standards by creating greater opportunities for our citizens and to make Bahrain the Gulf's most welcoming, business friendly location. We will accomplish these goals by working in partnership with the public and private sectors, and by being passionate, professional and innovative in all that we do.

For more information, please contact:

Weber Shandwick PR for the EDB and BFS
Natasha Trendall / Giles Robinson
Weber Shandwick Financial
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7067 0735 / +44 (0)20 7067 0734