November 2018 57 www.bahrainthismonth.com germanyinbahrain The best way is to bring together German and Bahraini institutions and companies so that they can realise joint projects, with the German Embassy acting as contact point and facilitator. Just to give one example, we are not only offering German classes as an Embassy, but also extending a partnership programme to all schools who would like to set up German classes. We also want to reach out to the friends of Germany in Bahrain and to win new friends. The recently established Instagram account of the Embassy – germanyinbahrain – offers instant information about our projects and activities. Does the German community in Bahrain face any particular issues? And, if yes, how do you hope to resolve these? Bahrain is a very friendly and welcoming country. The German community as a whole does not face any particular issues. If individuals are in need of consular assistance, our embassy is there to provide it. The embassy has previously been involved in cultural initiatives to promote friendship and understanding between the countries. Is this something that will continue? We will continue to provide for initiatives in the cultural field with partner institutions in Bahrain. Music is a wonderful language which transcends the borders of language. We have some events in the pipeline and hope to announce them soon. Bahrain’s Investcorp seems to be pursuing a policy of German investment. Are there any further big announcements coming that you’re aware of? Germany is very popular with investors from many different countries. I believe that investors from Bahrain are quite aware of the advantages of investing in Germany. What makes Germany popular with Bahraini investors? Germany is the engine of the European economy. Investors benefit from this fact. Another plus is the large German domestic market and easy access to growth markets in the extended European Union. From the intelligently structured educational system, which produces a supremely skilled and dedicated workforce, to the business-friendly tax policies, Germany’s business infrastructure provides much peace of mind to international investors. Germany’s workforce is highly educated and motivated, as shown by the minimal strike activity and higher education graduation figures. There has also recently been the announcement that a German company is part of the conglomerate that has won the tender for the Tubli waste management plant expansion. What do you think makes Bahrain attractive to German companies? Bahrain is an attractive business location in the Gulf region due to its plans for economic diversification, the opening and liberalisation of its market, the favourable investment conditions, the well-developed infrastructure and, not least, its proximity to important regional markets. A new German visa application centre opened in Bahrain earlier this year. How is this facility beneffiting Bahraini nationals and residents? The applicants can be served there five days a week, which substantially reduces the waiting period for an appointment. On the embassy side, we were able to shorten the processing time. As a result, visa applicants can be served better and faster. Anything else you would like to add? Two things: I was very impressed by the active participation of the Kingdom of Bahrain during the September opening of the 73rd General Assembly of the United Nations. At times when multilateralism is under attack, I am confident that Germany and Bahrain will work together to defend, strengthen and reform the rules-based multilateral system which has been built up over the course of the last seven decades. On a personal level, my wife and I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all those who so generously facilitated our first steps in Bahrain. His Excellency and wife, Samira, welcomed guests at a musical performance by the German Air Force Band and Bahrain MoI Public Security Band (pictured below).
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