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