Export Bahrain, a national development initiative, will be the go to destination for the kingdom’s businesses looking to enter global markets and it will offer tools to take them to the next level, said a senior official.

Speaking at a business networking luncheon hosted by American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain), Export Bahrain executive director Dr Nasser Ali Qaedi said: “The vision of the initiative is to promote a new generation of economic activity for the country; thinking globally through innovation, technology, productivity and opportunities to position businesses to a new frontier.”

The event, held at Downtown Rotana, was attended by US Ambassador to Bahrain Justin Siberell and senior members of AmCham Bahrain. The luncheon aimed at encouraging further trade and business development opportunities between the US and Bahrain.

Established in November 2018, Export Bahrain looks to promote opportunities in foreign markets, expand and diversify exports whilst improving the overall perception of the private sector’s products and services internationally.

Qaedi said: “Export Bahrain helps enterprises, specifically SMEs, identify new market opportunities and then enable the private sector to reach global markets by expanding their clientele for their products and services.

“There has been scattered support by other entities for export related projects in the country but we are trying to set up a go to destination for businesses.  Our vision is to take Bahrain to the world, we aim to assist businesses to take Bahraini products and services to new markets. It isn’t the size of the company but the quality of products and services offered that matter,” he added.

Export Bahrain strives to provide an ideal environment to support domestic exports and achieve Bahrain’s 2030 vision of ‘promoting our export-oriented sectors’ and offers solutions such as:

• Export financing: The first support provider of SME export financing in Bahrain, covering asset-based financing, export letter of credits and working capital to pre- operating/pre-shipment costs;

• Export credit insurance: The first export credit guarantee channel, protecting against losses arising from the default of payment of the buyer;

• Export training: Export-focused training; allowing firms to have the necessary knowledge and skills;

• Export workshops: Provide regular workshops to share knowledge on the growth opportunities, business potentials and raise awareness;

• Export market intelligence: Providing SMEs with the necessary know-how and information about various markets (legal issues, tax issues, etc) in different countries.