Country Profile

The kingdom of Bahrain has been ruled as a constitutional monarchy since 2002 under the leadership of Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The country pioneered the Middle East’s oil production in 1932, thus establishing the region’s initial framework for the petroleum industry. The energy sector remains a pillar of the kingdom’s economy, accounting for the bulk of government revenues but a shrinking proportion of GDP thanks to early efforts to diversify the economy away from hydrocarbons. This led to the kingdom’s establishment as a chief financial centre in the region, with the country home to a thriving sharia-compliant segment and financial services representing the second-largest contributor to the country’s GDP. Elsewhere transport links across the kingdom are being upgraded, with major expansion works at Bahrain International Airport expected to boost the country’s status as a centre for trans-shipment and logistics as well as further fuel the country’s growing tourism industry.

This chapter contains an interview with Li Yong, Director-General, UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).