February 2018 37 www.bahrainthismonth.com The Ambassador at American Mission Hospital And, on the strong bilateral relations, His Excellency explains: “We promote cultural exchange as a way to strengthen people-to-people ties – we have an author here at the moment working with Bahraini writers, and we will also be participating again in the Spring of Culture. Culture is an area where there are lots of opportunities to strengthen ties. “The Bahraini government is also working hard to deepen cultural ties. It has recently sponsored art exhibitions in the US and I think it’s an area of real opportunity. There are hundreds of Bahraini students in the US at any given time – that provides a springboard for deeper understanding. “The US community here is very well looked after by the Bahraini government and people. Our interaction goes back more than 100 years with the founding of the American Mission Hospital and since that time Americans have found an extraordinarily welcoming environment here.” There are around 17,000 Americans in the Kingdom and bilateral trade currently stands at around USD1.7billion. A free trade agreement between the two nations came into force in 2006 and His Excellency says: “Bahrain serves as a gateway to the region for US businesses. Trade has really surged since the signing of the free trade agreement and it’s an area where we see real opportunities. There’s more to be done, making sure both sides know how to take advantage of the opportunities the agreement provides. We are working closely with the Bahraini government to understand the direction in which the economy is moving and ensuring that American businesses that are represented in the sectors that are being emphasised.” Recent developments have included agreements for US involvement in modernisation works at the Bapco refinery and Alba, which were highlighted when the Crown Prince was in the US. The visit also saw the announcement of Bahrain’s purchase of Boeing F16 fighter aircraft worth USD3 billion. The Ambassador adds: “More recently we’ve had the Amazon Web Services opening, the expansion of the Mondelez biscuit factory [which makes Oreos] to take on production for the whole GCC, and we may see more. “We’re looking at the Bahrain government’s strategies on IT, logistics, transport, tourism and petrochemicals – these are all areas we think US companies are well placed to participate in – power generation as well. And there are opportunities in renewables, particularly solar. Petra Engineering has a solar field test base here in Bahrain already. “Overall, I feel fortunate to be posted to Bahrain at this specific moment in history, with the opportunity to take the already-strong relationship between our two countries to new heights.” Priya & Aniket Riyaz & Ramji Hussain, Omar & Hassan Isa Mohammed New Year’s Eve Party Al Areen Palace & Spa held a New Year’s Eve party at its premises.
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