MANAMA: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) chairman Khalid Almoayed has expressed private sector ambitions to develop economic and investment ties with France and increase the volume of bilateral trade in various economic sectors.

He called for the need to seize the two countries’ available opportunities to enhance the volume of Bahraini-French trade, which reached about $383 million, as indicated by the Central Informatics Organisation.

He was speaking during a meeting with French Ambassador Bernard RŽgnauld-Fabre in the presence of BCCI first deputy chairman Othman Al Rayes and second deputy chairman Jawad Al Hawaj, board member Deema Al Haddad, chief executive Nabeel Al Mahmood, as well as BCCI executive body members.

They discussed the date for holding the “French Week” 2015, hosted by the kingdom for the fourth year in a row to shed light on the depth of the Bahraini-French cultural and economic relations.

They also discussed ways to strengthen economic ties by increasing co-ordination and co-operation in the trade and industrial fields, and increasing visits of business delegations and missions.

They highlighted areas of economic relations that can be strengthened, especially through co-operation and co-ordination between BCCI, the French Embassy in Bahrain and the French Chamber of Commerce.

BCCI also lauded the French Embassy’s support and facilities in issuing visas to Bahraini businessmen and economic delegations. The ambassador praised bilateral relations, noting that his country is looking forward to consolidating areas of trade and economic co-operation with Bahrain.

*Mr Almoayed separately received Egyptian Ambassador Issam Saleh Awad and reviewed ways to develop trade ties and consolidate co-operation in all economic fields, calling for the need to name members of the Joint Bahraini-Egyptian Business Council.