Bahrain Poised to Become Hub for EU Businesses as New Chamber Launches

Launch of the European Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain

The official launch of the European Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (ECBH) took place last night at a reception hosted jointly by the German ambassador to Bahrain, Henning Simon, and the EU ambassador to Bahrain, Christophe Farnaud. The event was described as an important milestone in strengthening economic ties between Bahrain and Europe.

EU Ambassador’s Views on Trade and Institutional Support

Christophe Farnaud said the EU‑Bahrain trade and investment relationship ‘has great potential Bahrain being one of the most open economies in the Middle East and acting as a hub for many EU businesses active in the Gulf’.

He also noted, “The European Union has been supporting the European Chambers across the world as we see great value in them presenting a unified EU business voice on key issues that we can benefit from and take into account in our intergovernmental contacts,” said Mr Farnaud.

The French diplomat, who is additionally the EU Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, is 61 years old. His early diplomatic career included assignments in Jordan and Egypt and a period as director general for Middle East and North Africa at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

The Bahrain chamber is the second of its kind in the Gulf, following the foundation of the European Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia more than two years ago, which illustrates the importance the EU places on fostering bilateral relations.

Chamber Leadership’s Vision and Upcoming Priorities

Nawaf Al Zayani, chairman of the ECBH, said the launch event represents an ‘important opportunity’ to further strengthen business relations between Europe and Bahrain. He added, “Our ambition is to create a practical platform that connects companies, encourages new partnerships and supports the growth of European business activities in Bahrain,” he said. “We look forward to working closely with our members, Bahraini institutions and European partners to achieve these objectives.”

He observed that what has been missing in the past has been ‘one voice, one address, one platform to identify, connect and to facilitate the development of these interests’.

Sherine Fakoussa, general manager of the ECBH, said the focus will be on turning the Chamber’s network into tangible opportunities and real value for businesses. She remarked, “Partnerships will be at the heart of how we work,” she added.

The chamber will work closely with the EU delegation, European embassies, Bahraini government institutions and business organisations to complement existing initiatives and contribute to closer economic ties between Bahrain and Europe.

Following its launch, the ECBH will concentrate on expanding its membership, developing its services and establishing a sustainable foundation for long‑term growth and impact.

As reported in the GDN, key items on the agenda include prospects for a Strategic Partnership Agreement between Bahrain and the EU, progress towards an EU–GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and preparations for the upcoming EU–GCC Summit in Riyadh on October 24, where key economic and security frameworks are on the agenda.

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