In early November 2020, as part of the SEIA, UNDP Bahrain and Derasat convened a small group of private sector representatives and other experts to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on Bahrain’s private sector. This report presents the major issues discussed during the roundtable and presents a series of recommendations targeting businesses and policymakers.

Several key points were made during the discussion, including the positive impacts that the fiscal stimulus and monetary policy had on avoiding a Covid-19 related economic downturn in Bahrain, as well as the long-term implications that this crisis might have on the private sector if proper preparation and planning is not taken. To counter these implications, recommendations surrounding digital transformation, strategic planning post-pandemic, and green growth were discussed.