Provides information on any manufacturing sectors or services where only citizens or a sub-set of the population in that country are allowed to own or sell.
Last Published: 2/12/2019
The U.S.-Bahrain Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) provides benefits and protection to U.S. investments in Bahrain, such as “most-favored nation” and “national treatment”.  The following are the only limitations on selling U.S. products and services in Bahrain:
  • Gambling
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Narcotics
  • Weapons
  • Cigarettes
  • Import of all types of waste and treatment, storage and dumping of radioactive materials and toxic waste in Bahrain
  • Import, manufacturing and dealing of asbestos and its by-products (not including asbestos removal)
  • Import and industrial use of restricted chemicals 
  • Import of automatic cigarette vending machines
  • Letter post (exclusive to Bahrain Post) 
MoICT maintains a small list of business activities that are restricted to Bahraini ownership.  These include: press and publications, Islamic pilgrimage, clearance offices, workforce agencies, fisheries, and dredging or oil exploration.
The U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement outlines all activities in which the two countries restrict foreign ownership.
 
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.


More Information

Bahrain Trade Development and Promotion