French financial services delegation looks for close co-operation with Bahrain

The delegation is headed by Mr Christian Noyer, Governor of Banque de France, and includes senior representatives from several leading French banks and investment houses.
The delegation is meeting officials from the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Economic Development Board during its visit.

Discussions will cover major topics such as lessons learned from the world financial crisis, the strategy of international financial centres and new investment opportunities - notably the prospects for growth of Islamic finance in Europe.

The meeting will also cover cooperation and partnership programs between the Paris financial marketplace and the Bahrain financial marketplace.

Remarking on the delegation's visit, Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive for the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said:

"The Government of Bahrain extends a warm and cordial welcome to the French delegation."

Shaikh Mohammed added, "The financial services industry has benefitted from the strong and enduring relationship between Bahrain and France. Our close ties, Bahrain's mature and well-regulated free market, and its strategic location, means that it is an ideal base from which French companies can expand into Middle East markets."

"I am sure that these latest meetings will only serve to strengthen our relationship and produce new ideas and business opportunities which will benefit both our countries," he concluded.