Bahrain has been chosen to host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in 2019. The Congress is one of the main enterprise gatherings from around the world.
The announcement of the successful bid was made at UN Headquarters in New York on 15.
The annual global event has been previously hosted by countries including the US, UK, UAE, China, Italy, Brazil and Russia, brings together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers and start-ups from more than 170 countries to identify new ways of helping founders start and scale new ventures around the world.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmad Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Bahrain will be the perfect host country for GEC2019. Bahrain is a thriving business hub, and a very attractive destination for entrepreneurs and international business. We are very much looking forward to welcoming investors, business owners and start-ups”.
Bahrain’s winning bid was submitted by Tamkeen, a semi-government organisation established in 2006 as part of his Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa’s national reform initiatives, with the task of supporting and positioning the private sector as the key driver of sustainable economic development.
The announcement was made during a special event which marked 10 years of Global Entrepreneurship Week achievements, at the UN HQ in New York.
GEC president Jonathan Ortmans, said: “Bahrain was awarded the right to host the 2019 event because of its friendly immigration policies, welcoming spirit and culture; at a time when some nations are turning away from globalisation. Bahrain’s excellent track record and motivations around advancing entrepreneurship are very consistent with those of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress and community.”
Khalid Al Rumaihi, CEO of Bahrain Economic Development Board, added: “It is an honour and privilege to welcome the global entrepreneurial community to Bahrain. Our sustained efforts in the private sector are placing Bahrain among the most advanced countries in the region, an ideal gateway to the US$1.6 trillion Gulf market.”
