56 November 2018 www.bahrainthismonth.com germanyinbahrain Is this your first time in the region, and in Bahrain, and how are you finding it? Two previous postings in the region, Jericho and Cairo, have certainly helped me feel at home here, but even more the spirit of tolerance and openness I have encountered here in Bahrain. Where were you previously posted? In Berlin, a fascinating city which is changing constantly. I feel that this is something Berlin has in common with Manama and Bahrain. Approximately how many Germans and German businesses are there currently in Bahrain? About 500 Germans and 30 German companies are living and operating here. They contribute to the success of Bahrain in strategic areas like oil and gas, infrastructure, hotels and tourism and the medical field. I have started to meet them and have found a wonderfully vital and well-connected community. Is this number growing, shrinking or static? It has been very stable over the last few years. My impression is that there is still some potential for growth. I will do everything I can in order to strengthen the economic ties between Germany and Bahrain and to bring both sides together on all levels, whenever possible. What are the current trade figures between the two countries? The volume of bilateral trade between Bahrain and Germany is on the rise: BD208.9 million in 2017, compared to BD158.6 million in 2016. Bahrain is importing mainly cars and machinery from Germany, to a value of BD191.1 million. The exports from Bahrain to Germany – metals, chemical products, ceramic and glassware – are BD17.8 million. I believe there is potential for increase in both directions. I understand Bahrain is covered through the German-Saudi Arabian Liaison Office for Economic Affairs – are there any plans for a German-Bahrain Chamber of Commerce? Commercial relations between Germany and Bahrain are fostered by the Embassy of Germany in Manama, a German Business Roundtable in Bahrain, the German-Saudi Arabian Liaison Office for Economic Affairs (GESALO) in Riyadh and Dhahran and the information service of Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) in Dubai. What are your plans and aims for your time in this post? My aim is to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of Bahrain in all possible fields. Germany has a lot to offer – a vibrant economy, excellent university education free of charge, experience in education and vocational training – that we are ready to share. Just to give one example, I would like very much to see an increase in the number of children and adults learning German in Bahrain. How do you plan to achieve them? My aim is to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of Bahrain in all possible fields.” POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH The new German Ambassador, His Excellency Kai Thamo Boeckmann, speaks of trade growth potential and bilateral collaboration. HE Kai Thamo Boeckmann LIZ O’REILLY
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