South Korean firms eye Bahrain as gateway to MENA at business forum
The forum brought together over 100 governmental and business representatives from Bahrain and South Korea, underscoring the growing economic partnership between the two nations.
Hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in close cooperation with Bahrain's Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Economic Development Board, Bahrain Chamber, and the Bahrain–South Korea Friendship Society, the forum highlighted opportunities for deeper collaboration in sectors such as ICT, smart farming, K-beauty, and food.
Speaking at the event, Dr KOO Heonsang, Korean Ambassador to Bahrain, praised Bahrain's efforts toward economic diversification under the Economic Vision 2030. He said Bahrain's business- and investor-friendly environment makes it an ideal gateway to the MENA region.
Ambassador KOO also welcomed the upcoming ratification of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, signed last year between Korea and Bahrain. Once in force, the agreement is expected to create a more secure and predictable environment for cross-border investments.
Other key speakers included Abdulla Fakhro, Bahrain's Minister of Industry and Commerce; Mohammed Al Kooheji, Second Vice-Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber; and Ahmed bin Hindi, Chairman of the Bahrain–Korea Friendship Society. They all emphasised the strategic importance of strengthening Bahrain-Korea economic cooperation.
Since its inception in 2017, the Bahrain-Korea Business Forum has alternated biennially between the two countries. This year's edition witnessed a record turnout of Korean companies, including CJ ENM, Korea Electric Power Corporation, Posco International, and DAESANG, along with leading government agencies such as KOTRA, NIPA, aT, and KOAT—reflecting the deepening of bilateral ties and growing mutual interest in business collaboration.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bahrain This Week
4 days ago
- Bahrain This Week
Bahrain Bolsters E-commerce with New Virtual Mall and 'eFada' Trust Seal
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is strengthening Bahrain's e-commerce landscape with two key initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and boosting consumer confidence. The new virtual mall and the existing eCommerce Seal System (eFada) work together to create a robust and trusted digital marketplace. a first-of-its-kind virtual mall for the Kingdom, is a central platform that showcases e-commerce businesses officially registered in Bahrain. Part of the national e-commerce strategy, this initiative is designed to introduce consumers to local practitioners and encourage them to shop with confidence, while also helping the commercial sector transition to the digital economy. All registered e-commerce businesses are eligible to join the platform within their chosen category. To further ensure transparency and consumer trust, the ministry operates the eFada Seal System. This seal is a verification mark for e-stores and e-marketplaces, indicating that they are officially registered and authorized by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to practice e-commerce. Companies and establishments can apply for the eFada seal to demonstrate their legitimacy to customers by submitting an application through the official service portal: These coordinated efforts highlight the ministry's commitment to building a secure, vibrant, and digitally advanced business environment in Bahrain.
Biz Bahrain
01-08-2025
- Biz Bahrain
Seef Properties reports Bd2.7 Million Net Profit Attributable to shareholders of the parent for the six-month period ended 30 June 2025
Seef Properties B.S.C. (Bahrain Bourse Trading Code: SEEF) announced its financial results for the second quarter ended 30 June 2025 and six months period ended 30th June 2025. The Company reported a net profit and comprehensive income attributable to the parent of BD 1.5 million during the second quarter of 2025, compared to BD 1.7 million for the same period of the previous year, a decrease of 13.3%. The change is attributable to increased market competition and economic fluctuations. Diluted earnings per share attributable to the parent for the first quarter of 2025 amounted to 3 Fils, compared to 4 Fils for the same period the previous year. The Company's operating profits stood at BD 2.9 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to BD 3.2 million for the same period in the previous year, a decrease of 9.3%. The Company reported a net profit and comprehensive income attributable to the parent of BD 2.7 million for the six-month period ended 30th June 2025, compared to BD 3.1 million for the same period last year, a decrease of 12.9%. Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the parent for the six months period ended 30th June 2025 amounted to 6 fils, compared to 7 fils for the same period of the previous year. The Company reported a decrease in operating profit for the period ended 30th June 2025 by 10.4%, reaching BD 5.8 million, compared to 6.5 million for the same period of the previous year. Revenues for the period ended 30th June 2025 decreased by 9.7%, reaching 7.5 million, in comparison with the BD 8.3 million reported in the same period last year. The Company's total equity (after excluding the equity attributable to minority) for the second quarter of 2025 decreased by 0.9%, reaching BD 160.4 million, compared to BD 161.8 million for the same period in the previous year. Total assets for the second quarter decreased by 1.4 %, reaching BD 174.7 million compared to BD 177.1 million for the same period in the previous year. Commenting on these results, Seef Properties Chairman, Mr. Essa Mohamed Najibi stated: 'Our strategy continues to focus on diversifying our portfolio and enhancing the performance of our existing assets. Our balanced business model has helped us achieve several important milestones, including the signing of a second agreement to develop a large-scale mixed-use project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is in line with our regional expansion plans and our ambition to share Seef Properties' expertise in real estate development, hospitality, and entertainment, while also building strategic partnerships that position us as a key contributor to Bahrain's economic growth and achieving the objectives of Economic Vision 2030.' Mr. Najibi expressed appreciation for the Kingdom's continued national achievements under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He added: 'Seef Properties remains committed to its role as a leading national company that contributes to economic development while consistently delivering value to shareholders and customers. Looking ahead, we will focus on launching high-quality, distinctive projects that respond to market needs, support urban growth in the region, and boost our competitive edge. We will continue investing in initiatives that reinforce Bahrain's leadership position and support its sustainable development goals.' Seef Properties Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ahmed Yusuf said: 'At Seef Properties, we are executing a well-planned strategy to boost occupancy across our developments through targeted and attractive initiatives. In line with this, we have begun implementing our redevelopment plans, which mark an important new phase for the company. We are preparing for a full-scale transformation of Seef Mall – Seef District, reintroducing it in a modern form that reflects evolving visitor expectations through facility upgrades, service improvements, and new concepts that blend comfort with variety. We are also working to attract more top-tier local and international tenants and to diversify the mix of services offered to visitors. As a result, we have seen an increase in occupancy levels and signed new agreements that support our portfolio growth and enhance revenue sustainability.' Mr. Yusuf added: 'We are equally focused on enhancing visitor experience through environmentally conscious initiatives, most notably our solar energy project, which will supply clean electricity to all our commercial destinations. This is in line with our vision to improve quality of life in the Kingdom of Bahrain and support its commitment to meeting the highest global sustainability standards.'
Daily Tribune
31-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Fourth Arab Conference of UN Global Compact Advocates 2025
Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, Sameer Nass, affirmed that artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key driver in achieving sustainable development and improving quality of life in the middle east. He highlighted its role in offering innovative solutions to economic, social, and environmental challenges, while opening new horizons for vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and environmental protection. This Came during his opening remarks during the opening session of the Fourth Arab Conference of UN Global Compact Advocates 2025, held on Tuesday. He noted that the Bahrain Chamber has actively adopted AI to enhance institutional performance and improve services for its members, in line with its vision to embrace technological advancements and boost private sector competitiveness.
