Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) and Standard Chartered Announce Partnership in Support of Special Interest Groups (SIGS)

The Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) and Standard Chartered Bank today announced their three year partnership in promoting the BBBF's Special Interest Groups, which focus on the fields of Legal, Organisational Effectiveness, Construction and Financial Services, Security & ICT. Standard Chartered's affiliation with BBBF will enable the SIGs to continue developing channels of communication for members helping them identify opportunities for business development in their specialised fields.

Mr. Hassan Jarrar, Chief Executive Officer for Standard Chartered Bahrain, presented the cheque to Mr. Khalid Al Zayani, BBBF Chairman, and commented: "Standard Chartered Bank is proud to be associated with the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) in sponsoring the Special Interest Group platform. As the oldest bank in Bahrain, we are committed to supporting the economies success and societies in which we operate. This partnership is one of the ways the Bank facilitates global trade and investment corridors because as the world's leading trade bank, with a footprint in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, Standard Chartered is ideally placed to play a shaping role in this fast-moving environment."

Mr. Al Zayani commented: "As a UK bank and the first bank in Bahrain, Standard Chartered has demonstrated its commitment since 1920 to the development of business and local community here in Bahrain, and this partnership will help further facilitate trade between the Kingdom and the UK. The BBBF could not continue its valuable work without such support, and we are grateful to Mr. Jarrar and his team for recognising the contribution BBBF makes to Bahrain's economy. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship."

Each of the six BBBF's Special Interest Groups hold four meetings per year focused on a speclialised topic, in addition to key events such as the annual Business Bazaar with participation from partners such as UKTI, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce, EDB, Tamkeen, BizLadies and the Ministry of Industry.

SIG Chairperson, Ms Jill Boggiss, in conjunction with the group heads is currently working with the Bahrain Polytechnic to establish work placement opportunities for undergraduates who require project-based learning for their degree studies. There will be a new SIG focused on the needs of young business people, supporting their growth and development in the workplace.

About BBBF:
The BBBF was set up in 1995 and has grown from the original 16 members to over 400 members today. It aims to promote trade and investment between Bahrain and Britain in a non-discriminatory, non-political and non-profit making manner. The BBBF is widely recognized in Bahrain and the UK as a leading impartial business sector group. The Forum works to create and sustain a favourable business environment. The BBBF strives to assist and introduce new trade and investment to both countries to benefit and enhance the common economic interests of our member companies.

About Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered - leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East

Standard Chartered PLC is a leading international bank, listed on the London, Hong Kong and Mumbai stock exchanges. It has operated for over 150 years in some of the world's most dynamic markets and earns around 90 per cent of its income and profits in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This geographic focus and commitment to developing deep relationships with clients and customers has driven the Bank's growth in recent years.

With 1,700 offices in 70 markets, Standard Chartered offers exciting and challenging international career opportunities for more than 87,000 staff. It is committed to building a sustainable business over the long term and is trusted worldwide for upholding high standards of corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental protection and employee diversity. The Bank's heritage and values are expressed in its brand promise, 'Here for good'.

For more information please visit www.standardchartered.com