Industry

Outside of financial services, Bahrain’s manufacturing sector has grown to become the largest contributor to non-oil GDP. The sector has benefitted from rising foreign direct investment inflows, one of the world’s leading global aluminium industries and increasing diversification into value-added production across several segments. Manufacturers and exporters in Bahrain have long exploited significantly lower operating costs than elsewhere in the GCC, generous investor incentives, and well-connected logistics at a network of free zones offering easy access to regional and global markets. As the kingdom moves forward on implementing a large-scale infrastructure development agenda, local manufacturers are also positioned to benefit from rising domestic demand. This chapter contains interviews with Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Ali Al Baqali, Acting CEO, Aluminium Bahrain.