Welcome to Bahrain

Transcription

Welcome to Bahrain
Welcome to Bahrain
Agenda
1
.
.
2
.
.
..
..
.
INTRODUCTION
Why Bahrain?
Bahrain Ranking
Market Overview
5
Welcome to Bahrain
.
.
Bahrain ICT Snapshot
Skilled Labor Force
.
.
..
Access to the Region
Favourable Business Environment
QUALITY OF LIFE
06
ICT Sector
BAHRAIN ICT SECTOR
4
03
EDB Role
GCC OVERVIEW
BAHRAIN OVERVIEW
3
.
.
Cost Competitiveness
Attractive Tax Regime
Growth Areas
Strong Bilateral Relations
..
Networked Readiness
Key Telecom Players
09
Success Stories
Regulatory Environment
18
Value Proposition
29
2
Introduction
Introduction
0%
100%
#1
#1
#13
Tax Regime
Bahrain has the most liberal Tax regime in the Gulf
Foreign Ownership
Companies established in Bahrain are allowed to have 100% foreign
ownership
Regulation
Bahrain has the leading regulatory environment for financial institutions in the
Middle East
Transparency
Bahrain Mumtalakat – the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund is ranked 1st as
the most transparent SWF.
Free Economy
Bahrain is ranked 13th among the freest economies in the world
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
4
Introduction
Bahrain Ranking
Favorable Ranking’s in Global Indices
Ease of finding finance to start a business in the MENA region¹
1st
Most economically free nation in the MENA region²
Low cost of living in the MENA region¹
Overall experience in the GCC: Setting up, integration & quality of life³
2nd
13th
14th
21st
Overall quality of life in the GCC³
Ease of access to loans⁴
Freest economy in the world
Quality of overall infrastructure (global ranking)
Labour market efficiency (global ranking)
Source: ¹Top Cities of the ME & NA (2012), ²2012 Economic Freedom Index ³HSBC Explorer
Survey (2013), ⁴Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum (2013)
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
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Introduction
Economic Development Board
Promoting a world-class environment for Business
EDB is a dynamic public agency with overall responsibility for attracting inward investment into
Bahrain and supporting the growth and diversification of Bahrain’s economy
EDB is the first point of contact for investors,
assisting with:
6 EDB International Offices
covering 22 countries globally
Office Location
Business Development
USA
 Guidance through the decision-making process
 Identification of potential partners, distributors,
agents and customers
Facilitation
 Access to natural resources (gas, land, etc.),
UK
Germany
commercial and industrial properties
 Commercial registration support
Scandinavia,
France, Italy,
Spain
Belgium, Netherlands,
Switzerland, Austria,
Luxembourg
Japan
Korea,
Taiwan
China
Hong Kong
India
Malaysia,
Singapore
Aftercare Services
 Aftercare support
 Expansion support
Additional Coverage
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
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GCC Overview
GCC Overview
GCC Market Overview
Access to an economy worth $2 trillion by 2020¹
Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) comprises of
6 countries: Bahrain, KSA, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait and Oman
Connectivity
Access to a large and growing market
Tehran
Iraq
GCC
consumers
36
million
MENA consumers
440
million
GCC estimated
growth
4.5%
Est. Regional
ICT growth²
8.0%
Est. Global
ICT growth²
2.1%
Iran
Bagdad
Kuwait
Bahrain
Dammam
Riyadh
Qatar Dubai
Doha
Abu DhabiMuscat
UAE
Saudi
Arabia
Oman
Jeddah
Access to the biggest market in the Gulf Region and the world’s largest oil producer; Saudi Arabia
Source: ¹The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) ²Gartner, 2014
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
8
GCC Overview
GCC ICT Sector
High market potential & growth opportunities
GCC ICT Market Overview (USD Millions)
Revenue Split by Country, 2013 (%)
70000
60000
Qatar
12%
50000
40000
KSA
52%
30000
20000
UAE
26%
10000
Oman
3%
Kuwait
4%
Bahrain
3%
0
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
GCC Digital Media
GCC Telecom Market
GCC IT Hardware market
GCC IT Services Market
GCC Software Services
2020
Market is expected to grow at a
GCC has one of the highest
penetration levels in the world:
CAGR of 10.2% to reach
greater than 120%
USD 6.47 billion by 2020
Source: Frost and Sullivan Analysis, 2014
9
Bahrain Overview
Bahrain Overview
Welcome to Bahrain
Well Placed in the Global Economic Environment
Bahrain lies at the heart of the Arabian Gulf, with fast and efficient access to every market
in the Middle East by air, sea, road and 5 major undersea and land cables.
Economic Facts
Jordan
Iraq
Kuwait
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
UAE
Oman
Yemen
¹World Bank 2014, ²UNCTAD World Investment Report 2014
Population¹
1,314,089
Area
770 sq.km
Nominal GDP
$32.8 bn (2013)
Real GDP Growth Rate
5.6% (2013)
Literacy
94.6%
HDI Index
0.815 (44 out of 187)
Unemployment Rate
4.3% (Dec 2013)
FDI Inflows²
US$ 989 mn (2013)
US$ 891 mn (2012)
US$ 781 mn (2011)
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
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Bahrain Overview
Access to the Region
Less than an hour flight time from GCC countries
Easy & Liberal Visa Policies
One month visa upon arrival
to nationals of nearly 100
countries, with the ability to
renew for an additional
three months
Kuwait City
(6 daily flights)
Doha
Dubai
(14 daily flights)
(15 daily flights)
Riyadh
(4 daily flights)
Abu Dhabi
(8 daily flights)
Muscat
(6 daily flights)
30 + 11
Commercial Airlines
Cargo Airlines
fly from our world-class Bahrain International Airport
Daily Flights to the GCC
Less than 1 hour flight time
Doha
20 mins flight time
Kuwait, Riyadh, Dubai
45 mins flight time
Source: Bahrain Airport Company, 2014
46 738 60
Flight
destinations
worldwide
Flights a week
Flights a week
to the GCC
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
12
Bahrain Overview
Cost Competitiveness
Cost of doing business in Bahrain is relatively low
Cost of Operations for an office size of 200sqm and 20 employees (US$ ‘000s)
Manpower
Utilities
(6 local and 14 expatriate)
(Water & Electricity)
Telephone Services
650
164
Total Costs associated with
operating a financial services
firm in Bahrain, Qatar &
Dubai:
5
149
121
3
280
2.5
260
Commercial Rent
Internet Services
(Corporate rate for 8mbps)
9
241
Business Set-up
39
33
236
5
4
Bahrain
US$ 249,315
Qatar
US$ 428,150
Dubai
US$ 434,090
 Doing business in Bahrain
costs approx. 40% lower than
Qatar and Dubai
18
82
Source: Cost of doing Business in Bahrain, KPMG Report, Dec 2013
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
13
Bahrain Overview
Cost Competitiveness
Cost of living in Bahrain is lower than GCC countries
Cost of living index %, Manama=100%
Food
1st Most affordable utilities
Utilities
195
130
charges in the MENA¹
124
181
130
109
100
73
101
100
108
Personal Care
Household Supplies
Recreation
179
141
100 100 89
129
124
121
83
Source: ¹Economic Intelligence Unit – March, 2014
100
121
129
115
117
100
72
95 103 99
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
14
Bahrain Overview
Favorable Business Environment
Freest economy in the GCC
Ongoing reforms & regulatory improvements have
made Bahrain the freest economy in the Arab World,
for 20 consecutive years.
Rank
Country
1
2
12
Hong Kong
Singapore
United States
13
Bahrain*
14
15
18
25
28
30
48
70
76
77
120
137
United Kingdom
The Netherlands
Germany
Japan
United Arab Emirates
Qatar
Oman
France
Kuwait
Saudi Arabia
India
China
Source: The Heritage Foundation / Wall Street Journal Index of Economic Freedom 2014
* Bahrain ranked 13th out of 187 countries
100%
Foreign Ownership
Allowed
No
‘Free zone’
Restrictions
Best in Class
International Arbitration Dispute
Resolution Center of Excellence
Bahrain Chamber of dispute Resolution in
Association with American Arbitration
Association
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
15
Bahrain Overview
Favorable Business Environment
100% Foreign Ownership allowed
Companies allowed 100%
foreign ownership
Individuals may purchase land –
freehold in prime locations for
residential usage and accordingly
obtain permanent residency
Companies may purchase landfreehold throughout Bahrain for
commercial usage.
Types of 100%-owned commercial operations
in Bahrain:
•
•
•
•
Limited Liability
Single Person Company
Private Joint Stock Company
Holding Company
Other means for international investors to
register their operations in Bahrain:
• Public Joint Stock Company (up to 49%
foreign ownership in any activity / sector)
• Branch Office
• Regional Office
16
Bahrain Overview
Attractive Tax Regime
Lowest Taxes in the GCC
Bahrain ranked
NO Corporate income tax
NO personal income tax
NO wealth tax on capital gains
#1 Most Favorable Tax Regime in the world¹
Corporate income tax rates in the GCC countries²
KSA
UAE*
Kuwait
NO withholding tax
Oman
Qatar
NO restriction repatriation of
Bahrain
capital, profits or dividends
0
FEW indirect taxes e.g. 10%
municipal tax on rents
Source: ¹The Global Competitiveness Report, World Economic Forum 2013 – 2014,
²KPMG Corporate Tax Report, 2014 *20% for branches of foreign banks
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
17
Bahrain Overview
Strong Bilateral Relations
Over 60 global agreements have been signed
40+
Countries, with whom Bahrain has
trade and economic agreements,
including China, France, India,
Singapore, the UK and the US.
Strict IP Laws due to Free Trade
Agreement with USA
Free Trade Agreement with EFTA
States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
& Switzerland)
Free Trade Agreement with Singapore
Duty free access throughout the
Greater Arab Free Trade Area
(GAFTA)
Promotion &
Protection of
investment
Avoidance of double
taxation
Reciprocal exemption
of International air
transport
34 countries
41 countries
6 countries
Source: Ministry of Finance Note: GAFTA: GCC states, Jordan, Morocco,
Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Palestine, Tunis, Libya, Sudan, Yemen
Economic, Trade and
Technical Cooperation
31 countries
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
18
Bahrain ICT Sector Overview
Bahrain ICT Overview
Bahrain ICT Sector Snapshot
A sophisticated base for ICT operations
Broadband subscribers¹
1.63 million
Bahrain's ICT Market Overview (USD Millions)
Broadband penetration
128%
1800
1600
1400
Fixed lines¹
1200
251,000
1000
Fixed line penetration
20%
800
600
400
Telecommunications Revenues
(2012)
200
0
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Bahrain Digital Media
Bahrain Telecom Market
Bahrain IT hardware market
Bahrain IT Services Market
Bahrain Software Services
2020
BD 409 million
Mobile subscribers¹
20
2.21 million
Mobile penetration
173%
Source: ¹Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) (Q4, 2013)
Bahrain ICT Overview
Bahrain ICT Growth Areas
Supporting business in four main ICT sub-sectors
IT
 Cloud Computing
Business Process
Outsourcing
 Contact Centers
Sector achieves a high
degree of Bahrainisation
80%
 Software Integration
 Software
Development
Telecoms
Services
 Web Hosting, colocation
Media
 Animation and Film
 Video Games
 Internet Exchanges
 Content Distribution
Network
In 2012 approx. 3,100
employees worked
directly in the telecoms
sector
8% Compound Annual
Growth Rate in the # of
employees from 2006 2012
 Over the top content
21
Bahrain ICT Overview
Bahrain’s Networked Readiness
Ranked amongst the top 30 countries
Bahrain’s
Networked
Readiness
29th
Ranking
1. Environment
28th
2. Readiness
35th
3. Usage
30th
4. Impact
32nd
Strong government leadership for the
extensive use and development of ICTs in
the country has allowed a fairly well
developed ICT infrastructure especially in
terms of mobile network coverage.
With a fairly stable profile, Bahrain continues
to depict a robust performance.
Source: The Global Information Technology Report 2013, World Economic Forum
Note: 144 countries analysed in the rankings
International Undersea Cables
Fiber Optic Gulf (FOG)
FLAG FALCON
Tata TGN-Gulf
Gulf Bridge International
Cable System
22
Bahrain ICT Overview
Bahrain’s Regulatory Environment
Protecting the interests of all stakeholders
NO
NO

TRA is an independent
body

Protect interests of
subscribers.

promoting effective and
fair competition amongst
operators


Develop innovative
communication services,
available to all

E-government
strategy
has been implemented &
developed since 2007
Bahrain has become one
of the pioneers of the egovernment initiative in
the Arabian Gulf region.
VOIP Restrictions
OPEN
Open
and transparent
regulations with fair and equal
treatment of Foreign and local
Telecoms operators
Number of Telco offering services*
National Fixed
International
Calls
Mobile
Internet
Leased line
Other data
service
10
15
3
14
12
5
*Refer to appendix for list of Telecom providers and their respective service offerings
23
Bahrain ICT Overview
Skilled Labor Force
Talented young and educated Human Capital
Bi-lingual highly Skilled & educated workforce at costs
competitive with other countries in the GCC
Bi-lingual workforce provides
advantages when accessing other
GCC markets
Local talent pool minimizes staff
turnover and having a local workforce
reduces overall labour costs
94.6% Literacy
72 private schools
12 curriculum’s
2/3 of financial services workforce
are Bahrainis, of which 37% are
women
Source: Ministry of Education, Bahrain; Central Informatics Organisation, Bahrain; Primary
Research
British, American, Japanese, Canadian,
French, Indian, Bahrain MOE, Saudi
Arabian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi,
Filipino and SABIS
78% of secondary school
graduates go on to earn a
bachelor degree
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
24
Bahrain ICT Overview
Skilled Labor Force
Substantial investments in Human Capital
 Backed by Tamkeen’s continued support of human resource development in all sectors, the quality
of Bahrain’s workforce is one of the best in the region.
 Tamkeen provides salary subsidies, training & financing grants
 US$ 440mn investment in the private sector
Finance
50% Interest
50 %
Guarantee
Employee
Training
Employment
Support &
Career
Progression
Continuous
Development
Salary
Subsidies
4,000 Bahrainis
have benefited
from training and
development
activities
14,000
Professional
Certifications
beneficiaries
have been served
through Tamkeen’s
career progression
schemes since 2007
International
Apprenticeship
Source: Tamkeen, 2014
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
25
Bahrain ICT Overview
Bahrain Development Bank
BDB is an effective public policy instrument which helps create and develop Bahraini SMEs.
The services provided by BDB have been fundamental in the development of the SME
segment in Bahrain and are catalysts for start-up activity and growth of SMEs.
BDB operates as not for profit development bank with the objective to create and support
SMEs across the country
Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) supports Bahraini entrepreneurship by providing financial
(loans, financing tools, and venture capital) and non- financial services (business advisory,
counseling, incubation) across the island
We have a common shared objective among our divisions to add value to Bahraini
entrepreneurs while contributing to the overall national economy.
26
Bahrain ICT Overview
Products & Services
Client
Non-Financial
Services
Financial
Services
Incubation
Business
Advisory
Apply for Finance or
Equity
27
Bahrain ICT Overview
Financial and Non-Financial Products
& Services
Financial Products
Non-Financial Services
Term Loan (Conventional)
Incubation
Working Capital Loan
Coaching
Islamic Finance
Equity Advisory
Equity Participation
Training
Composite Loan
Special Schemes
Indirect Loan / Trade Finance
Events
Educational Loan
Fisheries and Agricultural Finance
Private Equity Participation
28
Bahrain ICT Overview
Skilled Labor Force
Supporting the learning & growth of the workforce
Business Advisory Services
11th
sophisticated platform for
entrepreneurship and innovation
Specialized Training Programs,
Seminars, and Workshops
Rank
Workspace
Meeting Rooms
Support Center
Data Connectivity
Free Software
Benefits to Tech Entrepreneurs:
Business &
Innovation
Environment¹
1
Singapore
14
Bahrain
17
UAE
18
Belgium
24
Ireland

Share knowledge and experience
25
Saudi Arabia

Benefit from mentorship, coaching, and business
advisory programs
36
Germany
39
France

Benefit from working in a communal area with other
teach entrepreneurs and businesses
37
Japan

Access to a vast network provided by Rukn.me and its
partners supporting them with any requirements
needed to help start their ICT business
43
Turkey
71
Kuwait
Source: ¹The Global Information Technology Report 2013, World Economic Forum
Note: 144 countries analysed in the rankings
29
Bahrain ICT Overview
Key Telecom Players
Year of Establishment: 1969
(formerly Cable & Wireless)
The Batelco Group has evolved
from being a regional Middle
Eastern operation to become a
major communications company
with
direct
and
indirect
investments
across
14
geographies, namely Bahrain,
Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia,
Yemen, Egypt, Guernsey, Jersey,
Isle of Man, Maldives, Diego
Garcia, St. Helena, Ascension
Islands, and Falklands.
Year of Establishment: 2010
Year of Establishment: 2003
VIVA Bahrain, part of the STC
Group,
launched
commercial
services in Bahrain in 2010. The
STC Group operates in eight
countries including: Saudi Arabia,
India, Turkey, Malaysia, South
Africa, Indonesia, Kuwait and
Bahrain.
In
1983,
Mobile
Telecommunications
Company
(MTC) was launched in Kuwait. In
2007 however, it was rebranded to
Zain.
Nowadays,
Zain
has
commercial
presence
in
8
countries across the Middle East
and North Africa, including
Bahrain.
* Data services: For example, national frame relay service, international managed leased line services and international
MPLS/IPVPN service.
30
Bahrain ICT Overview
Success Stories
ICT Companies already in Bahrain include:
Cohen International Group
(“Cohen”)
 Cohen is a diverse and dynamic
company with extensive business
growth in the IT & Training sector
 The company setup operations in
Bahrain in 2012 with 4 employees
 Today, the company manages a
team of over 114 employees in 3
strategic bases all supporting
business generated out of Bahrain
and the GCC region
 Cohen has signed agreements with
a number of players including EK
Kanoo group to deploy 15 web
portals (2013) and a multi million
Dollar contract with Dubai based
Majid Al Futtaim Group (2013)
Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd
Tech Mahindra Limited
 Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. is a
multinational
networking
and
telecommunications equipment and
services company.
 Huawei established a foreign branch in
Bahrain in 2005, with a total of 3 staff
members
 In 2008, the company moved its
regional headquarters from Dubai to
Bahrain
 Huawei currently employs over 500
staff members in Bahrain and is
servicing 11 countries and eight
Branches from their Bahrain Regional
Headquarters.
 Tech Mahindra Limited is an Indian
multinational provider of information
technology, networking technology
solutions and business support services
to the telecommunications industry.
 The company establish an office in
Bahrain in 2010 with 4 staff members
 Today, the company caters to Kuwait
and Saudi markets from there local
office.
 They are currently in talks for several
major contracts with leading Telcos.
31
Bahrain ICT Overview
Value Proposition
Strong Regional Connectivity
Highly Educated Workforce
Transparent and Supportive Government
Favorable Business Environment
32
Quality of Life
Quality of Life
High Quality of Life
Amongst the most friendly & hospitable places to live
Overall
Experience
Healthcare
3
Setting Up
Utilities
1
Finding
Organizing School
Accommodation
for Children
3
1
Bahrain
2
USA
23rd
19th
11th
12th
12th
Japan
24th
10th
33rd
20th
36th
UAE
26th
20th
19th
33rd
25th
Qatar
29th
17th
20th
35th
32nd
KSA
37th
27th
21st
36th
26th
nd
rd
st
rd
st
1st place for each category goes to: Overall Experience - Thailand, Healthcare - Taiwan, Finding Accommodation – Cayman Islands
Source: HSBC, Expat Explorer Survey 2013 Note: 5,000 expats were surveyed
around the world
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
34
Quality of Life
High Quality of Life
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
35
Thank You
Bahrain Economic Development Board
13th Floor, Seef Tower
PO Box 11299, Manama
Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: + 973 1758 9969
Fax: + 973 1758 3330
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.bahrain.com
This document and any oral presentations made by the Economic Development Board (EDB) contain proprietary information about the Kingdom of Bahrain
and EDB. Such proprietary information shall not be disclosed, copied, duplicated, reproduced or used – in whole or in part – for any purpose other than by
the reader in evaluating Bahrain’s Value Proposition(s). Otherwise, the use of such information shall be subject to the prior written consent of the EDB and any
unauthorized disclosure, copying, duplication, reproduction or use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014.
All Rights Reserved.
36
Appendix
 EDB Mission / Vision
 Bilateral Relations – Country List
 Strategic Location – Air, Sea & Road entry points
 Bahrain ICT Sector Trends & Growth
 GCC Broadband & Telephone Line Penetration
 Median Latencies from London
 Telco Service Offerings
EDB’s Mission & Vision
Our aim is to support the growth & diversification of Bahrain’s economy by developing a
strategy that encourages inward investment & boosts competitiveness in the global
marketplace.
We are dedicated to raising living standards by creating greater opportunities for our
citizens & by making Bahrain a highly attractive destination for business. We will
accomplish these goals by working in partnership with the public & private sectors, &
through passion, professionalism, & innovation in all that we do.
Attracting Inward
Investment
Supporting initiatives that enhance the
business environment
Marketing the Kingdom of Bahrain through
our overseas network of offices, & working
closely with our embassies across the world
to promote business investment
opportunities
Supporting initiatives that enhance the
business environment & working with the
Kingdom’s ministries, authorities & investors
in order to position Bahrain as an attractive
investment hub
38
Bilateral Relations
Promotion & Protection
of investments
Algeria
Belarus
Belgium
Luxembourg
Brunei
Bulgaria
China
Czech Republic
Egypt
France
Germany
India
Iran
Italy
Jordan
Lebanon
Malaysia
Morocco
Mexico
Netherlands
Pakistan
Philippines
Spain
Sudan
Singapore
Syria
Russia
Thailand
Turkey
Turkmenistan
USA
United Kingdom
Uzbekistan
Yemen
Source: Ministry of Finance, 2014
Avoidance of
double taxation
Algeria
Austria
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Brunei
Bulgaria
China
Czech Republic
Egypt
Estonia
France
Georgia
Hungary
Iran
Ireland
Isle man
Jordan
Lebanon
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta
Morocco
Mexico
Netherlands
Pakistan
Philippines
Korea
Seychelles
Sudan
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Switzerland
Syria
Thailand
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Kingdom
Uzbekistan
Yemen
Reciprocal exemption
of International air
transport
China
France
Netherlands
Singapore
Switzerland
Yemen
Free Trade
Agreements
USA
Norway
Liechtenstein
Iceland
Switzerland
Singapore
GCC
Jordan
Morocco
Syria
Lebanon
Iraq
Egypt
Palestine
Tunis
Libya
Sudan
Yemen
Economic, Trade and
Technical Co-operation
Australia
Bangladesh
Belarus
Bermuda
Bulgaria
China
Egypt
France
Greece
Hungary
India
Iran
Iraq
Isle of man
Jordan
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Morocco
New Zealand
Pakistan
Korea
Russia
Sri Lanka
Syria
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Kingdom
Uzbekistan
Yemen
39
Strategic Location
Source: The Global Competitiveness Report, World Economic Forum 2013 – 2014
Note: 148 countries analysed in the rankings
© Bahrain Economic Development Board 2006 – 2014
40
Bahrain’s ICT Sector Growth
Bahrain is one of the leading ICT economies in the region,
ranked amongst the top 30 in the world¹
Figures in USD MN
Average Projected
Growth
Hardware
8%
Software
5%
Services
4%
311
293
285
Communications 6%
248
266
133
238
209
91
173
225
194
302
109
212
89
93
167
187
111
117
101
243
254
143
152
123
271
336
293
314
553
572
602
2016
2017
2018
243
217
333
293
298
323
2008
2009
2010
2011
388
2012
449
474
511
2013
2014
2015
Actual
Source: Digital Planet 2013, Booz & Company analysis, ¹Rethinking ICT regulation, Booz & Co, 2013
Forecast
41
GCC Fixed Broadband & Telephone Line Pentration
Fixed Broadband Penetration
Fixed Telephone Line Penetration
14%
23%
11%
21%
21%
17%
9%
16%
6%
Bahrain
UAE
Qatar
Saudi
Arabia
10%
2%
2%
Oman
Kuwait
Bahrain has the highest fixed (wired) broadband
Penetration in the GCC due to developed
infrastructure
UAE
Bahrain Kuwait
Saudi
Arabia
Qatar
Oman
Bahrain compares well with other GCC countries
in fixed telephony line penetration
Looking forward, Bahrain is in the process of
moving from copper to fiber optic
Source: ITU World Telecommunication / ICT Indicators database
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Median Latencies from London
200
Iran
180
Kuwait
Median Latency
160
Oman
140
Bahrain
Qatar
UAE
120
Lebanon
100
Egypt
80
Jordan
Saudi
Arabia
Cyprus
Turkey
2500
Iraq
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
5500
6000
Great Circle Distance from London (km)
Source: Global Traceroute Data, Renesys
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Service’s Provided by Active Operators in Bahrain
Operator Name
National Fixed
International Calls
Mobile
Internet
Leased line
Other data service
2Connect
Ascentech telecoms
Batelco
Bahrain Internet
eXchange
BT Solutions LTD
EQUANT EGN BV
Etisalcom
Greenisis
Kalaam telecoms
Light Speed
Mena telecoms
Moving Gulf
Northstar
Nuetel
Communications
Orbit
Rapid telecoms
Rawabi telecoms &
Software
Viacloud
VIVA Bahrain
Zain Bahrain
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The Cohen International Group
“Bahrain is an excellent base for our company setup. And after extensive
research in the region we felt this was the place we wanted to be. In
addition the support from the Bahrain Economic Development Board has
been paramount and the ease of setup is truly magical. Our plans are
intense and 2013 are seeing the TCIG operations at full throttle.
From my experiences to date I am pleasantly surprised at the calibre of the Bahraini Nationals and their
warmth and hospitality. Our commitment to Bahrain and creating jobs in Bahrain are paramount and we
have embarked on a mass employment campaign in 2013 by relocating some of our Divisional Support
functions from London to Bahrain. The inauguration of our office is an exciting and a step in the right
direction and we are confident that it will pay dividend.
The accessibility to the wider region from Bahrain as a Hub – Being centrally located enables us to
outreach to the wider GCC so much easier and has made our business excel in growth beyond our
expectations and I feel this is just the tip of the iceberg. Furthermore the governmental support via
Tamkeen and the various programs is truly unique and one of a kind. They don't just have these
programs for namesake they actually fulfil on the deliverable aspect which is key.
I would recommend Bahrain as a Regional Hub for any organization and truly can confidently say that
Bahrain is Business Friendly”
Group Chairman/ CEO, Hyder Cohen
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