Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Source:www.gulf-daily-news.com

MANAMA: The stage is set for the first GCC-Chinese Economic Forum to open in Bahrain on March 23.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa will patronise the symposium.

It is expected to attract leading GCC and Chinese officials and businessmen.

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Dr Essam Fakhro stressed its importance in boosting GCC relations with the rising global economic powerhouse, China.

"We hope the forum will yield fruitful results heralding a new qualitative chapter for GCC-Chinese relations," he said.

He also stressed the importance of laying the foundations for a GCC-China Free Trade Agreement.

The delegations will be exploring potential joint ventures and strategic business alliances.

The possibility of attracting Chinese capital to launch investment projects in the Gulf region will also be spotlighted.

Dr Fakhro urged Bahraini and GCC businessmen and trade and industrial companies to attend.

A series of bilateral meetings and specialised workshops will also be held to discuss co-operation opportunities.