SMEs Should Penetrate Bahrain F&B Market, Says Matrade

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) -- Small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs), especially those in the halal food and beverages industry have been advised to export their products to Bahrain.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=955300
Published: Jun 12, 2013

"It is to their advantage to export to Bahrain as the country does not have such an (halal) industry," said Datuk Dzulkifli Mahmud, Senior Director, Exporters Development Division, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.

He said the products can also cater to the population in Saudi Arabia, as it was just half-an-hour away from Bahrain.

With a population of 1.25 million, Bahrain has a zero tax system which means SMEs can set up companies in Bahrain, 100 per cent owned by them, and make hefty profits.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the "Business and Investment Opportunities in Bahrain" seminar here, he said Bahrain also offered huge potential in oil and gas, construction and building materials sectors.

The half-day seminar is aimed at creating awareness for Malaysian companies on export opportunities in Bahrain, as well as, to better understand and evaluate the business, investment climate and potentials there.

He said local companies in the oil and gas sector need to focus more on providing their service to Bahrain which had a well developed oil and gas industry.

"As a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), it offers opportunities for Malaysian companies to enter the GCC market via Bahrain," he said.

In the building materials sector, manufacturers can export their materials such as tiles and metal products to Bahrain.

Dzulkifli said the government was seriously considering participating in the construction of the Manama Qatar bridge, construction of which, has been delayed.

"It is the government's hope to secure several packages, if not all.

"We are very optimistic as Malaysia has the expertise in civil works," he added.

Malaysian companies have been involved in the construction of the Bahrain Formula One International Circuit, Bahrain City Centre and Bahrain Corridor Improvement Project.

Several other companies that are already operating in Bahrain include Malakoff Corp Bhd, Malayan Baking Bhd and Marrybrown Fried Chicken Sdn Bhd.

In 2012, the bilateral trade between Malaysia and Bahrain grew significantly to US$291.11 million from US$245.31 million recorded in 2011.

Malaysia's major exports to Bahrain included wood products, palm oil and electrical and electronic products.

-- BERNAMA