Joint ventures highlighted in Bahrain British Business Forum monthly luncheon

In his presentation, Mr. Hopewell gave audience a brief overview of joint ventures, including when and why to establish a joint venture, its various types, and the key elements and considerations involved minimizing risk.

"Joint ventures are a great way to expand cross-border trade and quickly gain a foothold in foreign markets," said Mr. Hopewell. "More and more, foreign companies are looking towards the Middle East as a lucrative market for establishing joint ventures as a viable option to grow their business."

Partnerships between state enterprises and private businesses are a particular feature of the Middle East. For example, a report prepared by KFH Research Limited in 2011, a subsidiary of Kuwait Finance House, highlights that the UAE and Saudi Arabia represent the largest markets for partnership models between public and private sectors in the region, particularly in the energy and water project industries.

Over 50 such contracts relating to partnerships between the two sectors were signed in the Gulf Since September 2010, with such projects requiring investments of more than $60bn.

The BBBF encourages membership from all strata of Bahrain's business community, and welcomes anyone to join the group by contacting the BBBF office at the British Embassy.