Kochi, Mar 18: Bahrain Crown Prince and newly appointed First Deputy Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa today said his country was looking at new opportunities in real estate and technology.
"We are diversifying away from oil and seizing new opportunities," the Prince, who arrived on a two-day visit to Kerala accompanied by a high-level official delegation, said here tonight.
Prince Salman bin Hamad, who is also Bahrain's Supreme Commander, said he had held a series of 'productive' meetings here and was looking forward for opportunities in real estate and technology.
"We seriously discussed (with state Chief Minister Oommen Chandy) some programmes and logistics in real estate and technology. I think it is probably better to flesh out the details of the programme we are trying to work on, get some solid numbers under our belt and then start talking about it."
The Indian community in Bahrain has yet again proved that they are "true partners in building a better future for Bahrain."
"Your economic liberalisation began 22 years ago and its economic might has been manifestly demonstrated not only through considered levels of high economic growth, but also by withstanding several global economic challenges, the most notable being the recent global financial crisis," he said.
"So we are taking very seriously the need to keep our focus on the right reform at the right time to keep Bahrain at the foreront of change," he said.
He said there were 2,100 companies in Bahrain with Indian partnerships. "It is a lot for us. But it is not enough."
The Prince said there were lot of Indians in Bahrain. "We do respect human rights, but we had challenging times."
Bahrain has a very big Indian population of which 65 per centre from Kerala. "People of India represents 30 per cent of our population of Bahrain," he said.
"The reason for my visit is to say thank you to the people of Kerala," the Prince, who is visiting India after his new appointment, said at a reception accorded by the state government.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the state would welcome investments in the Transport, Roads, Tourism, Health care and Knowledge industries, and urged the kingdom to consider the state seriously for investments.
The visiting dignitary was given a rich glimpse into the state's rich cultural heritage.
The Crown Prince said he was moved watching the dances respecting Hindu, Christian and Muslim traditions. "I was moved to watch the joy on their faces and not the fear, the mistrust and the suspicion and enmity between sects," he said.
He also took the opportunity to wish those working on the resumption of the national dialogue in Bahrain the best of luck and success they desire. "I want them to know that we are all behind them and I will be watching closely the outcome of their decision."
Chandy said the crown Prince was the first ruler from another nation to visit the state.
Bahrain has 3.5 lakh Indians of which 2.5 lakh are from the state, he said.
Earlier, the prince and his delegation held discussions with the chief minister and officials.
Bahrain has also showed interest in investing in the state's financial city proposal, announced in the state budget, and the crown prince has promised support for the project.
Union Ministers-- Vayalar Ravi, E Ahamed, K V Thomas and state ministers, P K Kunahlikutty, K C Joseph, Abdu Rabb, K Babu were among those present.
Earlier on arrival at the nearby International airport, the prince was welcomed by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed, Chandy and other dignitaries.
