HK investment deal to boost Bahrain financial sector
Bahrain - The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement inked between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will come into effect today (March 21).
The agreement reflects the strong and growing ties between Bahrain and Hong Kong, particularly in the financial, economic, and investment sectors.
It aims to create new and sustainable opportunities for cooperation and joint initiatives while reinforcing both sides' commitment to expanding investment prospects that support economic growth and prosperity, reported BNA.
Nawaf Hashem Al Sadeh, Assistant Undersecretary for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, emphasised Bahrain's commitment to fostering international partnerships to attract foreign direct investment, encourage joint ventures, and create high-value opportunities for citizens.
The ministry, he stated, actively facilitates investment agreements, with nearly 40 agreements signed to date, ensuring safeguards for investors, the free movement of capital, and the transfer of profits and returns in freely convertible currencies between the contracting states.
Al Sadeh further highlighted that these agreements provide guarantees, including fair and prompt compensation for investors in cases of expropriation for the public interest, in accordance with established legal procedures.
They also outline mechanisms for dispute resolution between investors and the contracting states, as well as between the states themselves, thereby reinforcing investor confidence and ensuring a secure and stable investment environment.-TradeArabia News Service
Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arabian Post
13-05-2025
- Arabian Post
Hong Kong and Qatar: Partnering for Success
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 May 2025 – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s Chief Executive John Lee is leading a delegation of over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and Mainland China to Qatar and Kuwait to forge closer connections and promote the city's advantages to the Middle East. This historic visit marks the first time that Mainland entrepreneurs have joined an official overseas Hong Kong delegation. 'The composition of the delegation demonstrates Hong Kong's unique role as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder' under the principle of 'one country, two systems'', Mr Lee said. 'Hong Kong is dedicated to capitalising on its connectivity with both Mainland China and the world, collaborating and synergising with economies and enterprises that are eager to pursue high-quality development with us.' The first stop in Qatar (May 10-12) yielded significant results, including the signing and announcement of 35 bilateral accords covering areas such as economic co-operation, investment, finance, legal collaboration and innovation and technology (I&T). These included a tripartite agreement among organisations from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar focusing on fintech collaboration, showcasing Hong Kong's bridging role between different economies. In addition to Hong Kong-Qatar co-operation, two agreements were reached between enterprises from Mainland China and Qatar, fostering co-operation in financial services and high-end manufacturing. HKSAR's Chief Executive John Lee (seventh right) witnesses agreements signed between government department, enterprises, and institutions from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar. Speaking at a business luncheon in Doha (May 12) themed 'Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a 'Super Connector' and 'Super Value-Adder', Mr Lee unveiled a new arrangement allowing HKSAR passport holders to visit Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days. He also said that Hong Kong and Qatar have substantially concluded the negotiations on an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. On arriving in Qatar (May 11), Mr Lee met the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, to exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar. Mr Lee meets the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (right). Qatar is Hong Kong's third-largest trading partner in the Middle East with bilateral trade in goods worth US$1.6 billion last year. Mr Lee said that there is plenty of room for further growth in trade and business between the two places. During a visit to the Qatar Investment Authority, Mr Lee was briefed on the operation and investment strategies of the sovereign wealth fund, and explored with the Qatar Investment Authority the development and co-operation opportunities for both sides in finance and the economy. With I&T being an area of great potential for bilateral collaboration, Mr Lee and other delegation members visited Lusail City, one of the country's flagship smart cities, to understand how the city integrates I&T with urban planning and infrastructure development. Mr Lee highlighted that both Hong Kong and Qatar attach great importance to technological development and regard artificial intelligence as an engine of new economic development. Mr Lee tours Lusail City in Qatar. Delegation members also toured the National Museum of Qatar to learn about the country's history and rich cultural heritage. See also 0xmd Partners with SENAI CIMATEC to Launch Operations in Brazil Before departing for Kuwait, Mr Lee took the chance to visit an autonomous vehicle project at Doha Hamad International Airport. The project is designed by a Mainland Chinese tech firm with its international headquarters in Hong Kong, and first piloted at Hong Kong International Airport. 'This exemplifies our role as a launchpad for global innovation,' Mr Lee said. Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #collaboration #partnering #Qatar #beltandroad The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.


Hi Dubai
08-05-2025
- Hi Dubai
UAE and Bahrain Implement Investment Agreement to Boost Economic Ties
The United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain have officially enforced a bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, effective 8 May 2025, solidifying their commitment to deepening economic cooperation and advancing sustainable development in both countries. Signed by the governments of both nations, the agreement follows the completion of all legal procedures and aims to provide a robust legal framework for investors. It guarantees fair treatment, transparent dispute resolution, and protection for investments, reinforcing investor confidence on both sides. The move reflects the longstanding ties between the UAE and Bahrain and marks a significant step toward broader Gulf economic integration. Officials from both nations have emphasized the agreement's role in promoting high-quality investments and creating a stable, attractive environment for capital flows. In response to rapid digital transformation, the agreement also highlights the importance of cooperation in digital trade. Key areas include data protection, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and electronic authentication, ensuring both countries remain aligned with global economic trends. Bahrain's Minister of Finance and National Economy, Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, underscored the importance of expanding partnerships with the UAE, citing the vision of the two nations' leaders and the strategic value of over 40 similar agreements signed by Bahrain. UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, described the agreement as a milestone that not only enhances bilateral ties but also responds to evolving regional and global challenges. He stressed the importance of continued coordination to ensure its successful implementation. The agreement is expected to open new avenues for joint investment, particularly in priority sectors, and support both countries' goals of building diversified, innovation-driven economies rooted in transparency and mutual trust. News Source: Emirates News Agency


Al Etihad
08-05-2025
- Al Etihad
UAE, Bahrain announce entry into force Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement
8 May 2025 13:29 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain announced the entry into force of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, signed between the governments of both countries, effective May 8, 2025. This follows the completion of the required legal procedures by both sides, in accordance with the provisions of the step reflects the strong fraternal ties and the growing economic partnership between the two brotherly nations, and reaffirms their commitment to enhancing investment cooperation in a way that serves the interests of investors from both sides, and supports the sustainable development goals of both agreement provides a comprehensive legal framework that ensures full protection for investments, strengthens mutual investor confidence by guaranteeing fair and equitable treatment, and provides clear mechanisms for dispute light of the rapid developments in the digital economy, the agreement underscores the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in areas related to digital trade, including data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property rights, and electronic signatures and also promotes the exchange of best practices, and the development of technical capacities. This represents a qualitative step towards creating a modern and advanced investment environment that aligns with the aspirations of both countries in supporting digital transformation and enhancing economic Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, affirmed that Bahrain places great importance on opening new avenues of cooperation with the UAE in light of the strong and longstanding fraternal relations between the two noted that bilateral agreements between the two brotherly nations play a vital role in advancing joint cooperation, in line with the visions and aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who embody a model of fraternal relations rooted in deep ties and a shared added that Bahrain continues to strengthen investment cooperation at the regional and international levels, having signed nearly 40 agreements to promote and protect investments, which contribute to economic growth and open new doors to promising his part, Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, affirmed that the agreement's entry into force reflects the shared will to deepen bilateral economic relations, and marks a new milestone on the path toward greater Gulf economic added that it also reflects a flexible and forward-looking response to changes in the regional and global economic landscape, particularly in light of current global challenges that require intensified efforts to foster a more stable and attractive investment highlighted the importance of continued coordination between the relevant authorities in both countries to activate and follow up on the implementation of the agreement to ensure the achievement of its intended Hussaini noted that the agreement will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of both economies and opening new horizons for high-quality investments, particularly in priority economic sectors. He further emphasised that the agreement serves as a foundation for expanding the strategic partnership between the two countries by encouraging mutual investments, facilitating capital flows, and providing an investment environment based on transparency, fairness, and institutional integration. He concluded that the agreement is one of the key pillars that reflects the shared vision of both nations for a diversified, competitive, and innovation-driven economy.