36 July 2012 BTM happeningsclubssocieties Meaningful Change Founded as a business forum for Bahraini and French business professionals in 2001, the Bahraini French Business Club (CAFB) had only around 90 members when Abdulla Juma took over as president five years ago. Since then, monthly networking dinners and talks by specialist speakers have fuelled interest and taken membership to around 145. Abdulla’s third term as CAFB president will be the most eventful if plans on the drawing board can be implemented during the course of this year. Having participated in two Economic Development Board road-shows in Paris over the last two years, he realises the need for more sustained efforts in promoting Bahrain as a friendly business destination abroad. “The EDB’s efforts are commendable, but there’s a need to do more than the EDB is doing. We’re trying to take these efforts further by direct liaison with the business community. By the middle of next year, CAFB will have evolved into a business council in a broader role that will see us providing services to the investor community. This includes advising investors on Bahraini laws, providing them with registration information and helping them with the early due diligence,” he says. This will translate into a permanent office with full-time staff and a dynamic website to guide prospective investors based in France. Discussions are on with the French Embassy and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry to finalise the contours of the Bahrain-French Business Council. Abdulla is aware that more funds will have to be poured into the bigger establishment, for which he is mulling a number of options including raising corporate membership fees, attracting more members and hosting more business meetings, conferences and fund-raising events. Meanwhile, he’s planning a business delegation from Bahrain to the western region of France later this year. “We’re in touch with the local chamber of commerce there and plan to work together in exploring opportunities in mass transport system, manufacturing and the energy sector during our visit,” he says. Bahrain’s energy sector is buzzing with the Al Dur power and water project, where French global energy player GDF Suez has participated. Abdulla would like to see greater involvement of local companies when international projects of such magnitude are implemented. “For the local economy to benefit more, there should be 30 to 40 per cent involvement of local companies. Furthermore, if major infrastructure projects such as these are listed on the Bahrain stock exchange, it would contribute to the growth of local financial markets,” he notes. Tourism is another area where French experts can work with Bahrain to develop concepts for the Kingdom, he believes. Besides promoting economic and commercial ties with France, CAFB has forged cultural links with high profile events such as the French Week which occupies the pride of place on its calendar. “Efforts are now on to turn this event into a biennial one, though on a smaller scale. Meanwhile, the French Week, as we know it now, will continue to be held once every four years,” he says. More than a decade after its launch, the Bahraini French Business Club is headed for a significant makeover that will redefine its role in business affairs. Abdulla Juma
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