By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The 2019 edition of Global Entrepreneurship Congress will be hosted by Bahrain. The Arab nation was named host country of the event at a high-profile event at the UN HQ in New York, confirming the country’s position as a business-friendly nation and an international leader in the field of entrepreneurship and business innovation.
The annual global event, hosted by countries including the US, UK, China, Italy, Brazil and Russia, brings thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and policymakers from more than 170 countries to identify new ways of helping founders start and scale new ventures around the world.
“We are perfectly placed to host this event. With our history of proactively developing and enacting programs designed to empower Bahrainis and new enterprises.
“The event will bring together Bahrain’s best and brightest business minds, to provide a platform for thought leadership and greater cooperation between Bahrain and its international partners.” Tamkeen’s CEO Dr Ebrahim Janahi said.
Entrepreneurship and business innovation are integral components in the larger Bahrain Economic Vision2030. SMEs now contribute nearly 30% of nominal GDP, and provide jobs for nearly 73% of private sector employees.
Bahrain is regarded as an attractive destination to international businesses for its well-established, trusted and transparent regulatory environment. Ranking first within the GCC for fiscal health, second for judicial effectiveness and third in the Economic Freedom Index 2017.
Bahrain Economic Development Board CEO, Khalid AlRumaihi, added: “It’s an honor and privilege to welcome the global entrepreneurial community to Bahrain. From pearl fishing to the early discovery of oil, we recognized the importance of diversifying the economy and have made great strides in the financial, telecommunications, and logistics sectors. Our sustained efforts in the private sector are placing Bahrain among the most advanced countries in the region, an ideal gateway to the $1.6 trillion Gulf market.”
