Bahrain has been named the host country for the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in 2019, confirming the country’s position as a business-friendly nation and an international leader in the field of entrepreneurship and business innovation.
The annual global event, hosted by countries including the US, UK, China, Italy, Brazil and Russia, brings thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and policymakers from more than 170 countries to identify new ways of helping founders start and scale new ventures around the world.
“We are perfectly placed to host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, with our history of proactively developing and enacting programs designed to empower Bahrainis and new enterprises,” Tamkeen’s CEO Dr Ebrahim Janahi said. “The event will bring together Bahrain’s best and brightest business minds, to provide a platform for thought leadership and greater cooperation between Bahrain and its international partners.”
Entrepreneurship and business innovation are integral components in the larger Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. SMEs now contribute nearly 30% of nominal GDP, and provide jobs for nearly 73% of private sector employees.
Ranking first within the GCC for fiscal health, second for judicial effectiveness and third in the Economic Freedom Index2017, Bahrain is well-regarded as an attractive destination to international businesses for its well-established, trusted and transparent regulatory environment.
Bahrain Economic Development Board CEO, Khalid AlRumaihi, added: “It’s an honor and privilege to welcome the Global Entrepreneurship Congress community to Bahrain. From pearl fishing to the early discovery of oil, Bahrain has long recognised the importance of diversifying the economy and have made great strides in the financial, telecommunications, and logistics sectors.
He added, “Our sustained efforts in the private sector are placing Bahrain among the most advanced countries in the region, an ideal gateway to the $1.6 trillion Gulf market.”
In addition to the Global Entrepreneuriship Congress, Bahrain has been selected to host RegTech MENA by conference organiser, The World Arena Group. RegTech MENA is the first regulatory technology summit to be held in Bahrain on November 21 and 22.