Bahrain’s EDB signs MoU with US Atlanta city
City of Atlanta has announced to establish a Middle East office in Bahrain, paving the way for a greater co-operation between Manama and Atlanta through an enhanced scope for two-way trade, investments and commercial business activities.
The announcement came as Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al-Khalifa , the Chief Executive of Economic Development Board (EDB), who is currently in the US, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kasem Reed, the Mayor of Atlanta city in Georgia, United States.
According to the MoU, both partners will seek to promote greater business harmony by working jointly towards implementing further the aims and spirit of the free trade agreement signed by both countries.
The private sector in Bahrain sees this move a step in the right direction aimed at boosting trade relations and creating opportunities for the private sectors of both sides.
The document represents is one of the key achievements made by the Bahraini delegation that is currently visiting the United States of America. It provides a framework to develop stronger ties and undertake collaborative activities as well as expertise exchange between the kingdom and the city of Atlanta.
The delegation is currently holding talks with leading US companies in New York, Atlanta (Georgia), Oklahoma City and Houston (Texas). Officials from the Bahraini Government, EDB and private sector will discuss the opportunities presented by the FTA. Enabling and opening up wider opportunities for the private sector to benefit from as one of the main goals behind the economic reforms.
The MoU comprises an agreement between the EDB and the city of Atlanta to support specific areas such as health care, education, life energy, and information technology exchange. The two parties will establish stronger relations and ensure the solidification of economic development by sharing ideas and joint working.
The Atlanta MoU will enhance cooperation initiatives by providing unique opportunities for young graduates to gain invaluable career experience overseas, and it encourages the City of Atlanta to establish a Middle East office in Bahrain, to represent the interests of the business communities of both participants.
The Bahrain delegation includes Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the EDB, Kamal Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer of the EDB and Adam Ereli, United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Representatives of the private sector also include Mumtalakat, Al Zayani Investment Group, American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain, Tamkeen and Bahrain Financial Harbour.