Manama, 11th October 2011: VentureComs, which develops and distributes applications for mobile phones, has today signed an agreement with Tamkeen, Bahrain's independent authority which formulates strategic and operational plans to invest in Bahraini employability. The agreement is expected to create a number of high-quality Bahraini jobs in the coming years.

The agreement, which was facilitated by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), is set to boost the Kingdom's growing ICT sector, creating both specialist jobs within the sector and within supporting divisions, including sales and back office support.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain EDB commented: "We are delighted to welcome VentureComs to Bahrain. Creating high-quality jobs for all Bahrainis depends upon a thriving private sector and it is businesses like VentureComs that will provide Bahrain's highly skilled and creative workforce with the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential. 

"We are hopeful that VentureComs' presence in Bahrain will create jobs not only through direct employment, but also through the benefits that it will provide to other companies in the sector as its business expands."

Speaking in light of the announcement Dr. Nasser Qaedi, Head of Planning & Business Development, Tamkeen, commented: "This announcement is testament to Bahrain's skilled workforce which has enabled the creation of a truly diversified economy. Because of its investment in education and training, Bahrain has become an ideal location for businesses looking for a skilled ICT workforce."

Mohammed Al Fardan, Chairman and Managing Director, VentureComs, said: "We are grateful to EDB and Tamkeen for all their great support, cooperation and assistance. We have chosen Bahrain to be the HQ for our Middle East and African operations because it has the best geographical location, best transportation connectivity, great local workforce, great telecom infrastructure and most importantly good Intellectual Property regulations, which are essential to protect our assets when it comes to software licenses.

"VENTURECOMS will be the first mobile applications and social media software development firm in Bahrain and we will open the region's first Research & Development centre for developing the industry."

Paul Hedman, CEO, VentureComs said: "We are delighted to announce an agreement which enables us to build a presence in the Bahraini market. We look forward to expanding our operations and taking advantage of all the opportunities that the market offers us."

Bahrain boasts the Middle East's most liberal and advanced ICT infrastructure and policies.  The Kingdom has one of the highest mobile and internet penetration rates in the region and is also home to Skype's representative office for the Middle East and Africa region and the regional offices of Huawei Technologies.

In order to further develop Bahrain's internet connectivity, in March 2010, Cisco and the Bahrain Internet Exchange agreed to work on a project to build a Next Generation Network platform for Bahrain. The project will involve building a cable landing station to connect Bahrain to the new undersea cable that Tata Communications is laying across the Gulf Corporation Council countries (GCC).

For more information, please visit www.bahrainedb.com

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About The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is a dynamic public agency with an overall responsibility for formulating and overseeing the economic development strategy of Bahrain, and for creating the right climate to attract direct investment into the Kingdom.

The role of the Bahrain EDB is to provide leadership by uniting all of the Kingdom's shareholders through a unified vision, and to develop key strategies for growth. The Bahrain EDB also acts as a facilitator, helping all of Bahrain's stakeholders to understand and adopt the changes necessary for progress. In addition, the Bahrain EDB provides sound project management to ensure that all agreed reform initiatives are implemented in an effective and timely manner.

The Bahrain EDB is also responsible for attracting inward investment into Bahrain, and is focusing on six target economic sectors in which the Kingdom offers significant strengths. These are financial services, downstream industries, tourism, business services, logistics, and education and training.

For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit www.bahrainedb.com; for information about Bahrain visit www.bahrain.com

About Tamkeen
Tamkeen is a semi-autonomous, independent authority which formulates strategic and operational plans to enhance the overall prosperity of Bahrain by investing in Bahraini employability, job creation, and social support. Tamkeen's main objectives are to support Bahrainis to become the employees of choice, and to support high quality private sector job creation and helping the private sector cope with the impact of labour market reform.

For more information visit www.tamkeen.bh, or contact Tamkeen at tel: 17383327 / 17383326, or at info@tamkeen.bh.

For further information on VentureComs, please contact:
Mr. Mohammed Al Fardan,
Chairman/MD Venturecoms,
Email; Mohammed@Venturecoms.com,
Mobile +97339696669, +97333436969, +97337792337

Mr. Paul Hedman,
CEO Venturecoms,
Email; Paul@Venturecoms.com,
Mobile +447917331906

Mr. Lars Aase,
VP PR/Marketing,
Email; Lars.Aase@Gmail.com,
Mobile +46701441822

© Press Release 2011