Economic diversification plays an important role in supporting and meeting the aspirations of the region’s youth

Economic diversification plays an important role in supporting and meeting the aspirations of the region’s youth

Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy

His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, participated in the 4th edition of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.



His Excellency took part in the international conference alongside panelists H.E. Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance for Saudi Arabia, Jason Greenblatt, former White House Special Envoy to the Middle East, and Thomas Barrack of Colony Capital.



Outlining the Kingdom of Bahrain's economic diversification success since the launch of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the strong growth witnessed in Bahrain's non-oil economy, with the non-oil economy now representing around 90% of Bahrain's GDP, up from 55% in 2000, Minister noted.



His Excellency went on to highlight the important role economic diversification plays in supporting and meeting the aspirations of the region's youth, noting their desire to benefit from opportunities, not hand-outs.



Looking to the future as well as Bahrain's existing Fiscal Balance Program, His Excellency the Minister outlined the need for a recalibration of the relationship between economic growth and government revenues. 



His Excellency called for efforts to create a positive