Bahrain to Host GCC-China Economic Talks

In March 2010, Bahrain will play host to the first GCC – China economic forum, with over 300 delegates expected to descend on Manama to thrash out a roadmap for better cooperation and closer economic ties between the two.

Outside of major state infrastructure projects many companies in the dominant energy fields throughout the GCC have found building bridges with Chinese firms challenging, something the conference is designed to reverse says BME Global’s event organiser James Lamb.

“The talks are aimed at strengthening the economic links between the GCC nations and China, while improving the free flow of economic information and emerging opportunities from both sides,” he explained.

The highly anticipated event is expected to draw over 150 Chinese delegates and business leaders, and is expecting at least the same number from GCC companies and ministries to attend.

Trade relations between China and the GCC regions have broadened dramatically over the past decade with the McKinsey consulting group predicting trade flows by 2020 will climb to between US$350 billion and US$500 billion. - Arabian Oil and Gas