AMCHAM OFFICIALLY REGISTERED IN BAHRAIN

UNCLAS MANAMA 000975

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/ARP, AND EB/CBA
DEPT PLEASE PASS USTR JBUNTIN
CAIRO FOR SBONDY
COMMERCE FOR CLOUSTAUNAU

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BEXP ETRD ECON BA
SUBJECT: AMCHAM OFFICIALLY REGISTERED IN BAHRAIN

REF: MANAMA 00969


1. On December 19, Bahrain's Ministry of Commerce officially
registered The American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain as a
non-profit company. That evening, the Minister announced the
registration at an AMCHAM membership dinner sponsored by
Microsoft and American Express. Approximately 60 high-level
U.S. business representatives along with government officials
and journalists heard the Commerce Minister and Charge' note
that the creation of an AMCHAM in Bahrain is a vital step for
promoting bilateral trade and making the FTA a success. The
AMCHAM formation committee reported an enthusiastic response
to the membership drive. The committee hopes to hold a
general assembly and elect a board of directors by mid-July,
before Bahrainis depart the country to escape the summer heat.


2. COMMENT: The commercial registration of a fully
independent, fully legal AMCHAM in Bahrain is an important
component of our drive to make the FTA a success. We hope
U.S. corporate headquarters' will support membership in this
organization and push for its accreditation by the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce. END COMMENT.
WILLIAMSON