As part of the Diplomatic Forum organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of Bahrain Diplomatic Day, which falls on January 14 each year, a session was held on Bahrain’s foreign policy and the global economy.
The session was attended by Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy; Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce; and Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB).
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa reviewed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s key economic achievements and its continued efforts to expand economic development in line with the comprehensive development process under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The Finance Minister underscored that Bahrain Diplomatic Day reflects the Kingdom’s high regard for diplomacy and its role in supporting national development and enhancing Bahrain’s regional and international standing.
He highlighted that the direct and continuous support of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister has helped establish an engaged diplomatic approach that actively contributes to economic growth and attracts high-value investment opportunities. He noted that Bahrain’s diplomatic missions abroad play a key role in supporting national efforts to attract investment through international economic representation, strengthening Bahrain’s position as an attractive regional and global economic destination.
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa noted that, under the vision of His Majesty the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain’s industrial exports have grown from $2.2 billion in 2005 to over $10.8 billion in 2025, while foreign direct investment in the Bahraini economy has risen from $8.3 billion to more than $46.5 billion in 2025. He added that the goal is to double foreign trade with global partners and double foreign investment in Bahrain through strengthened partnerships and promotion of the Kingdom’s economic advantages, aiming to create promising projects that accelerate economic growth and generate employment and investment opportunities for citizens.
The Finance Minister also highlighted the key components of Bahrain’s national economy and the sustainable financial and economic policies adopted by the Kingdom, noting the progress made in developing an attractive legislative and regulatory environment for investment and its tangible impact on economic growth and competitiveness.
He noted the achievements across all sectors under Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and highlighted ongoing work to measure and achieve the remaining objectives. He also referenced HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s guidance on initiating consultations with the legislative authority, the private sector, professional associations, and civil society institutions to develop Bahrain Economic Vision 2050, ensuring the continued progress and prosperity of the Kingdom and its people.
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa emphasised the key role of diplomatic missions in supporting development through the implementation of bilateral economic agreements, increasing trade volumes, and attracting foreign direct investment, contributing to the Kingdom’s strategic objectives and reinforcing its position as a regional and global investment destination.
The Finance Minister underlined that the integration of foreign policy and economic strategy is a fundamental factor in strengthening Bahrain’s position on the global economic map and serves as an effective tool to support economic diversification and sustainable growth, within the framework of the Kingdom’s ongoing comprehensive development process under the leadership of His Majesty the King.
The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, allowing heads of Bahrain’s diplomatic missions abroad to present remarks and queries.
