Industry

Since the 1970s Bahrain has made a concerted effort to diversify its economy, with efforts visible in the vibrant manufacturing segment and from the growth of the kingdom’s heavy industries. Despite the drop in state revenues due to lower global oil prices in recent years, Bahrain continues to invest in its industrial sector, notably with the $3bn expansion of Aluminium Bahrain, which will see production grow to 1.5m tonnes per year – a rise of over 500,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, Bahrain continues to capitalise on its oil and gas resources, with significant investment in the downstream petrochemicals segment. This is highlighted by the $5bn being spent on the modernisation taking place at Bahrain Petroleum Company and the $515m gas plant expansion by Bahrain National Gas Expansion Company.

This chapter contains an interview with Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism; and Tim Murray, CEO, Aluminium Bahrain.