Manama: The volume of direct foreign investment in Bahrain has increased by 5.5 per cent with a value exceeding BD11 billion at the end of 2018 compared to 2017.

The growth reflects the kingdom’s efforts to attract more foreign investment and an increase in capital flows.

This was revealed by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) in the initial Foreign Investment Survey for the financial year 2018 conducted in collaboration with the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Economic Development Board.

The survey measured the volume of foreign investment of key entities in various economic sectors in order to provide updated statistical data of the volume and flows of these investments in an initiative that aims to assist decision-makers to set appropriate policies so as to attract more investments to contribute to advancing the development wheel witnessed by the kingdom.

The report indicates that the volume of the direct foreign investment flow to Bahrain in 2018 financial year reached nearly BD570 million in the top two sectors – banking and manufacturing. 

Direct investments from Kuwait accounted for the highest rate of BD3.1bn, followed by Saudi Arabia which came in second with a value that reached BD2.8bn. Libya came third with approximately BD1.3bn during 2018 – raising GCC investments by 65pc from the total direct foreign investments.

The survey had been conducted to determine the kingdom’s foreign investment sources according to the country of residence of investors; as well as define the attracted sectors for investments in order to focus and become directed to develop other sectors. 

The survey comprises active entities in all economic activities while considering the volume of capital, ownership and employment.

The Foreign Investment Survey is considered as one of the most important economic surveys conducted by the authority on a regular basis to learn about the balances and flows of foreign investments as the authority – represented by the Economic Statistical Directorate – in collaboration with relevant entities carry out the survey coinciding with recommendations by international organisations and standards. 

The survey is conducted in line with the unified GCC work plan supervised by the GCC Stat Centre to collect foreign investment statistics.

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