2009 Events
Senior Officials Discuss Free Trade Agreement
The Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, Chris Wilson, visited Bahrain to participate in the joint annual review of the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (FTA). During discussions that included Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr. Hassan Fakhro, U.S. Ambassador Adam Ereli, Bahraini Ambassador to the U.S. Huda Nonoo, and other Bahraini officials, the two parties assessed the progress made under the FTA during the past three years, and means of improving implementation of FTA regulations. Mr. Wilson also met with local businessmen to encourage increased private sector involvement under the FTA.
Mr. Wilson said, “The meetings during the FTA joint review have been very productive and have provided insight into how Bahraini companies are taking advantage of the FTA. Our total bilateral trade has increased by 75% since the implementation of the FTA. Several U.S. companies have established regional headquarters here, such as Kraft Foods and others. We have also seen progress in the business relationships between our two countries, especially among small and medium enterprises.”
Dr. Hassan Fakhro emphasized additional benefits to Bahrain as a result of the FTA, which went into effect in 2006, including increased foreign direct investment in Bahrain, consumer savings as a result of eliminated customs duties on U.S. imports into Bahrain, and increased profit for Bahraini companies who no longer pay customs duties in the U.S.