AN agreement to explore opportunities in the fly ash industry was among major deals signed between Bahrain and India during a key business forum held in India, recently.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ali Rashid Al Amin Company and Dirk India, aimed at supporting the production of superior quality concrete for the construction industry, was ratified by Ali Rashid Al Amin director Khalid Al Amin and Dirk India chairman Georg Dirk.

Bahrain is set to benefit from investments worth more than $450 million as a result of deals signed during the forum.

Twelve MoUs were signed on the last day of the Bahrain-India Business Forum, in Mumbai.

The forum, co-ordinated by the Industry and Commerce Ministry, Economic Development Board and the Confederation of Indian Industry, was organised during a landmark visit of Bahrain’s ruler, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to India.

The agreements span a range of industries from information technology, banking and construction to petroleum.

Key deals included an MoU between Bahrain’s Industry and Commerce Ministry and JBF Industries, which specialises in manufacturing polyester, to set up a project at Salman Industrial City in Bahrain worth $200 million; one between Haji Hassan Group and Ashtech India to discuss future co-operation in businesses such as building materials in the Arabian Gulf; and one between the Industry and Commerce Ministry and Chemco Group to set up a plant at Salman Industrial City.