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FEATURE a role model in the commitment to achieve the the “International Day of Banks”, especially the

countries of the region, aiming to enrich the
sustainable development goals.
discussion regionally and globally on how to
In his speech dur ing the ceremony, promote the role of banks in national development.
Mr. Adnan highlighted a number of outstanding
contributions to the banking sector in Bahrain and “Marrakesh will host in October 2022 the annual
said: “This sector contributes to 17% of the GDP, meetings of the World Bank Group and the
which puts it in second place directly after oil, and International Monetary Fund, and the outcomes of
Bahraini financial and banking institutions have the celebration of the “International Day of Banks”
about 14 thousand employees with qualitative could represent a fertile ground for discussion
jobs, most of them are Bahrainis. We must also during those meetings attended by a group of
affirm the keenness of banks to support renewable central bank governors, ministers of finance and
energy projects, adopt the concept of green loans, development, and executive officials from the
and accelerate the trend towards open banking.” private sector, representatives of civil society, the
media, and academics, enriching the discussion of
He pointed out that the national responsibility of issues of global concern, including global economic
Bahraini banks was clearly evident during the prospects, global financial stability, poverty
COVID-19 pandemic through the unprecedented eradication, inclusive economic growth, and job
quality services provided to the state, community, creation, climate change, and other topical issues.”
employees, and customers, as the total of Mr. Belhaj concluded.
their donations to the (Feena Khair) campaign
amounted to more than 10 million Bahraini dinars,
and the instructions of the Central Bank of Bahrain
were also applied in the field of deferring loans,
activating more digital payment channels, and
more.
The head of The International Organization for
Migration’s mission in the Kingdom of Bahrain,
Mr. Mohamed El Zarkani said that everyone
acknowledges that the financial and banking
institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain operate
in accordance with the highest international
standards related to transparency, integrity, and
AML, amidst a flexible and strict legislative and
supervisory environment, and this ensures the
stability and durability of the Bahraini financial and
banking sector.
“The role of banks expanded around the world in
what’s called “Social Economy”, which is concerned
directly with reducing poverty rates, reducing
hunger, and promoting human rights and equality, References
or achieving this through UN programs, especially
http://www.banksbahrain.org/2020/12/07/bab-organized-
in developing countries.” Mr. El Zarkani added. bahrain-banks-reception-in-washington-2/
Mr. Ferid Belhaj, The World Bank Group Vice
President for the Middle East and North Africa,
emphasized the significance of the keenness Responsibility for opinions expressed and the accuracy of facts
of more countries to organize celebrations for published in this article rests solely with the author.

24 Bahrain Banks Directory 2021