In spite of the global downturn, international trade between the US and Bahrain continues to boom. Last year bilateral trade between the two countries reached $2.19 billion, an increase of more than 12 per cent on the previous year, US Chamber of Commerce senior vice-president, international affairs, Daniel A Christman said.
He said the US chamber was planning a day of celebration with Bahrain delegates in the US in April to mark the importance of trade ties between the two countries.
Christman said that Bahrain was one of 14 countries that the US had free trade agreements with. “We look to markets like this to expand business,” he said.
“Bahrain is a gateway to the Gulf and a very important friend to America. It can help us to build bridges between the US and the GCC.”
During his visit to Bahrain, Christman was received by Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro. Christman was accompanied by the chairman and chief executive of US Overland Capital James Godec and economic commercial officer of the US Embassy Ben Thomson.
Dr Fakhro commended efforts made by the US Council of Business and the US-Bahrain Council in reviving and activating commercial co-operation between Bahrain and the US and their efforts to organise joint economic activities.
The minister also noted the need to educate all sectors, in particular the private sector, on the Free Trade Agreement terms to enable the private sector to enter US markets. They also reviewed the joint ties in trade, commerce, investment and venture and how to enhance the existing FTA and to increase the volume of trade between the two countries.