GE Security invests in Bahraini potential with regional office & training centre
GE Security has signed a contract with Tamkeen (Labour Fund) to support the set-up of GE Security´: s Middle Eastern hub in Bahrain and to establish a training university, which will serve its regional operations and employ local Bahrainis.
The project is part of Tamkeen´s efforts to support the Economic Development Board (EDB) strategy to attract foreign direct investors to Bahrain and creating value-added jobs in the country. Under the agreement Tamkeen will provide financial support to GE Security to train and employ Bahrainis in business management and high-value technical jobs in fire detection, access control, video surveillance and integrated security systems and other areas.
GE Security is expanding its business and activities in the Middle East and this new hub will serve as the main office for the Middle East and North Africa region for customer service, sales and technical support. The office is expected to employ 25 Bahrainis by 2012.
"We see this partnership with GE Security as a key element in the overall vision supported by our leadership and by the EDB to tap the potential of Bahrain to become a business hub while also supporting the generation of value added employment opportunities for Bahrainis in new and emerging industries," said Tamkeen chief executive Al Qassimi. "As the region´s industrial and business requirements continue to grow and evolve, a key requirement for technical home, business and industrial security applications will increasingly be required and the availability of qualified, trained Bahraini professionals who are able to handle such applications and products will represent a key growth opportunity for Bahrain. Bahrainis have a good opportunity to develop careers in the vast residential, business and industrial security segments. GE Security ´s training university will facilitate such an opportunity."
Bart Otten, president of GE Security Europe, Middle East and Africa, said, "We are delighted that Tamkeen is supporting us in this strategic venture and decided to invest in Bahrain for its business friendly climate, strategic location and large talent pool. This new hub will benefit the local economy through increased employment and travel. The founding of a training university, in Manama, is an expansion of a proven GE Security concept in Brussels and Johannesburg that will contribute to making Bahrain one of the major technical training centres of the region."