The “Italian system” hasa long-standing presence in Bahrain, whose industrial development since the 1970s and 1980s has largely made use of Italian machinery and technology.
Italian exports continue to be driven by machinery, industrial plants, furniture, construction materials, means of transport, fashion, agri-food, while Italian imports from Bahrain mainly concern oil refining products and aluminium.
On the investment front, 2016 saw the first operation in Italy of the Bahraini sovereign fund Mumtalakat (in the health and social sector), while the Italian side confirmed its interest in the opportunities offered by the numerous projects in the field of infrastructure and construction. The Italian presence remains significant, mainly in the oil refining and petrochemical sectors.
However, the opportunities for Italian companies are no longer just linked to the oil & gas sector: today Bahrain also offers opportunities in logistics, tourism and services.
The country has historically been open to foreign investments, so much so that since 2016, 100% foreign ownership of businesses and properties has been permitted (with some sectoral exceptions).
The competent Italian Trade Agency (ITA) Office for Bahrain is the Doha Office (Qatar) but, since 1 July 2020, an ITA Desk dedicated to Bahrain has been operational at the Italian Embassy in Manama.
CONTACTS
Commercial Office of the Italian Embassy in Bahrain
Address: Villa 1554, Block 356 Manama, Rd No 5647, Manama (Bahrain)
Telephone: +973 1740 0158
Email: commerciale.manama@esteri.it
ITA Agency Desk in Manama
Address: Italian Embassy in Manama, Villa 1554, Block 356 Manama, Rd No 5647, Manama (Bahrain)
Telephone: +973 1740 0158
Email: manama@ice.it
ITA Agency Office in Doha
Address: P.O.Box 4188, Embassy of Italy in Doha, Qatar University Area, Doha (Qatar)
Telephone: +974 44836695 / 44210593
Fax: +974 4212515
Email: doha@ice.it
