A leading international Italian industrial company will set up its regional headquarters in Bahrain as a gateway to the Middle East, said a report citing the kingdom's Economic Development Board (EDB).

The top global player had chosen Bahrain for setting up its regional headquarters after scrutinising all other options, stressing the strategic location and the ease of doing business and streamlined measures in the kingdom, said the state news agency BNA report citing a senior government official.

"The firm has already started the initial stages to establish in Bahrain,” revealed EDB's chief executive Khalid Al Romaihi.

The Italian major is likely to open its regional headquarters in the first half of 2018, said Al Romaihi on the sidelines of the EDB roadshow in the city of Milan, said the BNA report.

The visiting delegation also held meetings with leading Italian industrial companies and stressed the business potential of Bahrain as a gateway to the neighbouring Saudi market, it added.