Minister of Works and Minister in Charge of the Electricity and Water Authority speaks at World Investment Conference

The event took place from 3-5 June in La Baule, France and was organised by the European Community and Ernst & Young.

It was attended by Ministers, Presidents and CEOs of global organisations and some 1,000 delegates.

His Excellency's speech on increasing the role of private sector involvement in works and infrastructure projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain highlighted aspects of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, the colossal metamorphosis of the urban landscape and opportunities for direct investment in particular in the Electricity and Water sector and Roads, Sanitary Engineering and Strategic Projects.

"Great competition for private capital necessitates that we will have to start small and build up over time as the market gains more confidence in Bahrain as the cost of capital stabilizes and the world economy picks up again,"

said H.E. Al Jowder.

"Bahrain has completed a number of important initiatives recently and these include hosting six Grand Prixs at the Bahrain International Circuit, being the first country in the Arab World to fully liberalise the telecoms industry, bringing about a Privatization Law and establishing a Free Trade Agreement with the USA," he added.

As part of his speech, the Minister also outlined how the Bahrain Economic Development Board offers investor facilitation services to first time investors interested in investing in the Kingdom.

"The prognosis for future development is bright and we will address any challenges ahead. By focusing on the aspirations of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and by implementing supporting strategies I am fully confident of success over the mid and longer term," concluded H.E. Al Jowder.