Welcoming and expanding in all fields while taking advantage of the great opportunities provided by the Arab markets industrially, commercially and developmentally for the benefit of both sides in accordance with common interests. He added during his participation in the 53rd annual ordinary general assembly of the Arab-French Chamber of Commerce, currently held in Paris, that there are many factors that help enhance trade cooperation between the two sides, especially since France is an important partner for the Arab world, especially with the Kingdom of Bahrain, where they share bilateral relations. Distinguished at all levels, noting that the volume of trade exchange between the Kingdom and the Republic of France amounted to 385 million US dollars during the year 2022, with a growth rate of 36% compared to 2021, as exports amounted to 98,166,572 million dollars, and on the other hand, imports amounted to 286,924,332 million dollars.
Nass explained that the Arab and French business community is a major contributor to advancing trade relations between the two sides and is primarily and effectively responsible for increasing the rates of trade and investment exchange, with the capabilities and components it possesses that are capable of achieving the desired goals, stressing the commitment of the Union of Arab Chambers to continue making all efforts that would establish And developing the integrated development partnership between Arab countries and their counterparts from various countries of the world, because of its positive and direct repercussions on consolidating issues of peace, stability, sustainable development, and fruitful partnerships that serve all Arab and French parties.
Nass said that the annual meetings held by the Arab-French Chamber of Commerce establish more advanced and developed relations in the economic and commercial fields and build sustainable partnerships between the Arab countries and the French Republic. They are also an important opportunity to discuss the challenges and obstacles that could hinder the growth of the rates of trade and investment exchange between the two sides. Looking forward to the French side's cooperation with Arab economies and maximizing the benefit of the opportunities provided by the Arab investment climate, especially in light of its transformation from an investment market into an important partner with global economic powers through its possession of major and diverse investments in most countries of the world.
He stressed that there is a tangible development in the concept and awareness of the importance of the role of the Joint Arab Chambers of Commerce, and this was clearly evident through the large diplomatic presence that is important for all of its effectiveness, which indicates the importance of this commercial entity and its contribution to strengthening trade and investment relations with countries of the world, expressing his confidence that The joint meetings of the Arab-French Chamber of Commerce are of a high degree of importance as they are held under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron for the second year in a row and receive the attention of governments and business sectors on both sides.
For his part Khalid Mohammed Najibi, First Vice Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the distinguished trade relations that bring together the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of France under the patronage and interest of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and their interest. By strengthening these relations and increasing them to broader and more comprehensive levels as they are based on the foundations of mutual respect, trust, cooperation and common interests, noting the advanced levels reached by coordination and joint work between the two friendly countries, which pushes for more economic cooperation in various sectors to achieve common goals and interests.
Najibi pointed out in his statements on the sidelines of the annual ordinary general assembly of the Arab-French Chamber of Commerce in its 53rd session that the Bahraini private sector has a close relationship built on solid foundations with its French counterpart, and they have continuous meetings through the Bahrain Chamber and its French counterpart, as well as through the French-Arab Chamber. These meetings contribute significantly to developing cooperation and facilitating the establishment of joint investments in the two friendly countries, adding that there is an opportunity for French companies to invest in Bahrain in light of the attractive investment climate, the strategic location of the Kingdom and the facilities provided by the government under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for the Business Environment.
In turn, Bassem Mohammed Al-Saei, a member of the Bureau of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed that the existing economic and commercial relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of France have witnessed progressive developments during the past few years, and that the rates of trade exchange have also witnessed remarkable growth during the last period, amounting to approximately 37 percent. %, expressing his aspiration to benefit from the great development of French industries for the benefit of Bahraini institutions and companies, through activating frameworks of cooperation and coordination and the common and sincere desire of the two friendly countries to achieve fruitful and integrated cooperation in all fields and sectors, especially the industrial sectors.
Al-Saei explained that the Kingdom of Bahrain certainly welcomes French companies and the business community to invest in the Kingdom and benefit from the facilities, the appropriate investment climate and the integrated infrastructure that facilitates trade, manufacturing and service activities, indicating that France is one of the important commercial partners of the Kingdom of Bahrain and is linked with it by strong and developed economic and commercial relations. The joint Bahraini-French Business Forum was also able to strengthen the mechanisms of economic and trade cooperation between the two friendly countries, especially as it brings together a large group of Bahraini and French institutions and companies.
AE