Keve hails Bahrain forum as milestone for Cyprus business ties

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has hailed the Cyprus-Bahrain Business Forum, held in Manama earlier this week, as a key step towards deepening bilateral business and economic cooperation.

The forum was co-organised by Keve and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the stated aim of strengthening economic and entrepreneurial ties between Cyprus and Bahrain.

The event brought together senior political and business figures, underlining Keve’s push to position Cyprus as a strategic partner for Bahrain-based companies seeking regional and European expansion.

Opening remarks were delivered by President Nikos Christodoulides, Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdulla Adel Fakhro, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Sameer Abdulla Nass and Keve president Stavros Stavrou.

“This business forum demonstrates the shared will of Cyprus and Bahrain to deepen their bilateral trade and political relations,” Christodoulides said.

He said one of the priorities of Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union is the strengthening of economic and trade relations between the EU and Gulf countries.

Christodoulides said Bahrain is one of the countries on which Cyprus intends to focus in terms of investments and business cooperation.

Fakhro highlighted the similarities between Cyprus and Bahrain, describing both as island economies with comparable GDP levels and strong reliance on services, tourism and technology.

He said their strategic geographical location gives both countries a natural advantage as business hubs linking regions and markets.

Fakhro said the strong presence of Cypriot businesses at the forum was particularly encouraging and reflected the intention of both countries to deepen economic relations.

“Economic relations are what drive political relations,” Nass said.

He said the current period is ideal for Cypriot and Bahraini companies to work together, particularly in technology, industry, agriculture, shipping and investment.

Nass said Cypriot companies can consider Bahrain as the ideal entry point to the wider Gulf markets.

In his intervention, Stavrou stressed that Cyprus can serve as a strong and competitive gateway to the European Union for Bahraini companies.

He said Cyprus offers access to the EU and the Single Market, positioning the country as a natural bridge between the Gulf and Europe.

Stavrou added that the creation of synergies between Cypriot and Bahraini companies can allow businesses from both sides to compete beyond their domestic markets.

He urged Cypriot companies to view relations with Bahraini counterparts as a long-term strategic partnership, rather than a transactional or opportunistic engagement.

A presentation was also delivered by the Bahrain Economic Development Board, focusing on investment opportunities and the country’s business environment.

During the forum, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the chambers of commerce of Cyprus and Bahrain.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Christodoulides and Fakhro, formally sealing the intention of both sides to deepen cooperation.

The agreement sets out a framework to strengthen business relations, starting with a planned visit by a Bahraini chamber and business delegation to Cyprus within 2026.

Presentations by Cypriot companies followed, showcasing activities, products and services across financial services and FinTech, energy and renewables, agricultural and food products, construction and real estate, as well as shipping and marine technology.

The forum concluded with targeted B2B meetings between Cypriot and Bahraini companies, offering networking opportunities and avenues for potential cooperation.

The day culminated with the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Bahrain, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations.

It was highlighted that Cyprus is the fourth European Union member state to establish an embassy in Bahrain.

Addressing the forum, Christodoulides said Cyprus and Bahrain still have substantial economic potential to unlock.

“This forum is a first step in tapping largely untapped potential between our two countries,” he said.

He linked this potential to the strategic locations of both countries, their economic dynamism and their shared role as bridges between regions.

Christodoulides said relations between the EU and the Gulf will be a clear priority during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

“I firmly believe that our Presidency, as well as the Bahraini Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council-EU for 2026 and the second EU-GCC summit scheduled during our Presidency, are not only important milestones,” he said.

“They are also opportunities to deepen political dialogue, strengthen economic cooperation and translate common interests into tangible results,” he added.

Turning to investment, Christodoulides said Cyprus offers Bahraini investors a stable and predictable EU-based platform.

“Cyprus serves as an entry point to Europe, with full access to the Single Market and the Eurozone, underpinned by a modern, transparent and business-friendly regulatory framework,” he said.

He referred to structural reforms that came into force in January 2026, including a competitive tax system and the digitalisation of public services.

Together, these reforms create an environment where businesses can plan, invest and grow with confidence, he said.

“I firmly believe that there is significant potential to further deepen our cooperation in financial services, investment, technology and digital innovation,” Christodoulides said.

He also pointed to construction, infrastructure and connectivity as sectors where cooperation could expand.

Bahrain continues to serve as a strategic gateway for Cypriot companies seeking to expand into the Gulf and the wider Middle East, he said.

“Let us therefore focus on further supporting and expanding this cooperation for the mutual benefit of our companies, our economies and our peoples,” Christodoulides said.

“Cyprus is seeking partnerships that are strategic, long-term and built on trust,” he added.