The Embassy of Bahrain in Paris and the Arab-French Chamber of Commerce welcomed high-profile CEOs, stakeholders in the tourism industry, leading economists, and Arab and foreign diplomats to a symposium called “Tourism: New Business Opportunities in Bahrain.”
In his opening speech, Mr. Vincent Reina, the President of the Arab-French Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Paris, Dr. Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar and all the attendees. Reina highlighted the importance of such events for promoting the Kingdom’s economic power and capabilities. He also talked about the “Economic Vision 2030” program that was launched in 2008 to ensure the stable growth of the Kingdom’s economy. According to Reina, it was important to continue the long-term cooperation between the Arab-French Chamber of Commerce and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The ambassador, Dr. Mohammed Abdulh Ghaffar also welcomed the attendees. In his speech, he emphasized on the cultural tourism opportunities in the Kingdom. Abdul Ghaffar also referred to the ongoing reforms in the political, social, and economic level in Bahrain since the inception of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The ambassador also talked about the role of women in the Bahraini society, their rights to vote and to stand for election, as well as their important role in the economic development of the Kingdom.
Abdul Ghaffar also pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain has always been an example for openness and tolerance. Famous for its unique model of co-existence between different sector, the Kingdom is also an important gateway for investors to access the Gulf markets. The Ambassador confirmed the government in Manama has always supported the tourism sector and has been investing in its rapid development. The 2017 Quality of Life report recently ranked Bahrain N1 for hospitality, among the expats working abroad.
Clarice Lasemillante, the tourism and marketing specialist at Interface Tourisme which officially represents the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority in Paris, Fioan Chan, the head of the Gulf Air in France, and Laurent Sansoucy, the Director of the Paris Bureau of Economic Development also gave speeches at the event promoting Bahrain in France.