Export Bahrain

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Export Bahrainis an initiative that supports Bahraini businesses and entrepreneurs in expanding their products and services into new international markets.
What are the main aims and objectives?
The main objective of Export Bahrain is to support Bahraini businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in expanding their products and services into new international markets. The program facilitates eCommerce and other marketing strategies to help Bahraini brands broaden their reach and enhance their global presence. The ultimate goal of this is to achieve Bahrain’s 2030 vision ‘promoting our export-oriented sectors to ensure that Bahraini companies embrace the world markets for products and services’. 
How does the program work?

Export Bahrain works alongside local and international partners to offer Bahraini companies greater international opportunities, exposure, knowledge and solutions to compete on a global level. The program offers export focused solutions including: financing, credit insurance, market intelligence, export toolkits as well as training and knowledge sharing to contribute to exporting activities. Some of the specific areas they offer support include: 

  • Export Credit Insurance: Covers 80% of the premium rate and transaction fees for businesses, providing financial protection against potential risks. 

  • Export Facilitation & Deal Support: Connects businesses with international partners to help them expand into new markets. 

  • Export Shipping & Logistics: Offers exclusive below-market rates on land, sea, and air shipments to support businesses in their export operations. 

  • International Retail Buyer and E-commerce Facilitation: Provides solutions for businesses to enhance their online presence and connect with international retail buyers. 

  • Export Market Intelligence: Offers market research and insights to help businesses make informed decisions about their export strategies. 

  • Export Workshops: Conducts training sessions to enhance the export readiness of Bahraini businesses. 

  • Export Readiness Tool: Allows businesses to assess their export potential and readiness before entering international markets. 

  • Export Financing Solutions: Collaborates with Tamkeen to provide financial support for export-related activities. 

  • Exporters Directory: A national exporter database and connectivity platform that showcases products and services made in Bahrain. 

MoU with CIPE: Aims to support the growth of Bahraini MSMEs through the "Economic Diversification and Access to Finance in Bahrain" project, funded by the U.S. Department of State. 

There are also some restrictions to the Export Bahrain program: 

  • Eligibility criteria: To qualify for the program, companies must be small and medium enterprises which are defined by Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry & Commerce as companies who have up to 100 employees and an annual turnover of BHD 3 million.  

  • Product restrictions: The Bahraini Government prohibits domestic production and export of alcohol and tobacco for health and religious reasons. 

  • Export regulations: Companies must comply with export regulations and controls, such as those implemented by the U.S. government through the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). 

What is the overall cost?
There is currently no information available on how much Export Bahrain costs to run.  
How was it implemented?
Export Bahrain has been launched under the purview of the SME Development Board, chaired by H.E. Zayed Al Zayani - Minister of Industry & Commerce & Industry. Export Bahrain was developed as a key initiative of the Kingdom's national SME development program, aiming to operationalize the Bahraini Export Development Centre into a respected and visible institution. Launched in November 2018, the project aimed to support local businesses in exporting their products and services and increase the global presence of the "Made in Bahrain" label. The program was implemented as the first national export development initiative in the country, aligned with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. 
What impact has been measured?

Export Bahrain was a set a target of increasing SMEs contribution to exports from 8% to 20% over five years and increasing the value of SME exports by 4% per annum.  

An impact report published in 2019 found that Export Bahrain directly contributed: 

  • to 6% of the Kingdom’s national SME export development growth in 2019 

  • $16.1 million of export value 

  • 35 exports facilitated  

  • Exports to 30 countries 

CURATED BY

Aida AlMudaifa

Manager, Bahrain Export Center
Labour Fund Tamkeen
Bahrain