Accra:The Kingdom of Bahrain wrapped up the first-ever Made in GCC 2026 Forum and Exhibition, a three-day event at Exhibition World Bahrain, which saw significant involvement from government bodies, industrial institutions, investors, and experts from GCC countries. The event announced several agreements and partnerships across various strategic sectors.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the forum was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, representing His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The event attracted over 10,500 attendees and more than 120 exhibitors, covering an exhibition space of 20,000 square meters. It featured more than 30 speakers across eight sessions, focusing on topics like global market access, supply chain resilience, and sustainable manufacturing.
Agreements and partnerships were announced in sectors such as energy, aluminium, food industries, automotive manufacturing, logistics, and sustainable manufacturing. Initiatives to boost exports and open new markets for Gulf products were also introduced.
Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, highlighted the forum's role in fostering joint industrial and investment opportunities among GCC nations. He emphasized the region's resources, infrastructure, and skilled workforce as key to strengthening value chains and expanding Gulf products' global presence.
The Minister noted the forum's importance in promoting GCC economic cooperation and integration, highlighting Bahrain's commitment to these goals. He stressed the event’s broader significance in developing partnerships and investments to reinforce the Gulf industrial base.
Fakhro also commended the collaborative efforts that ensured the event's success, acknowledging contributions from strategic partners and private sector supporters, including Foulath Holding, Aluminium Bahrain, and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He emphasized the need to build on the connections made at the forum to enhance regional industrial integration and competitiveness.