Bahrain Chamber and National Bank Discuss SME Support and Cooperation

Bahrain’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Nabeel Kanoo met with Hala Yateem, chairperson of the National Bank of Bahrain’s board of directors.

Bahrain, a Gulf Cooperation Council member, continues to prioritise private sector development through closer ties between its business community and financial institutions.

Meeting Highlights Cooperation Goals

The discussion centred on ways to strengthen cooperation between the Chamber and the banking sector, address financing challenges faced by private sector businesses—especially small and medium‑sized enterprises—and support the sustainability of their operations.

Chamber’s Initiatives for SMEs

Mr Kanoo said Bahrain’s banking sector is a strategic partner in supporting the national economy and praised the National Bank of Bahrain as one of the kingdom’s longstanding national banking institutions for its contributions to the business community and economic development.

He noted that SMEs form a key pillar of the national economy and that ensuring their sustainability requires coordinated efforts with financial institutions, including exploring flexible financing solutions that take into account the circumstances of businesses experiencing temporary liquidity pressures, helping them meet obligations and maintain economic activity.

Mr Kanoo added that the Chamber’s SME Support and Members’ Complaints Department is developing training and awareness programmes for business owners, focusing on effective capital and cash‑flow management, sound financial planning, and the adoption of good governance and management practices, aiming to enhance financial and operational efficiency, strengthen resilience, and support long‑term sustainability.

He also stressed the Chamber’s commitment to improving communication between the business community and banking institutions, conveying private‑sector needs, and developing joint initiatives to support SME continuity while preserving their role in stimulating markets and creating employment opportunities.

Bank’s Perspective and Joint Commitment

For her part, Ms Yateem affirmed the bank’s understanding of the challenges facing private sector businesses amid changing economic conditions and highlighted the importance of continued cooperation with the Chamber to explore appropriate solutions within the applicable banking frameworks.

Both parties emphasised the need for ongoing coordination to develop initiatives that bolster businesses’ financial stability and operational sustainability, thereby enhancing private‑sector competitiveness and supporting economic growth in Bahrain.