Although the current financial turmoil is taking a toll on economic growth across the world, the region where Bahrain is sited will continue to grow around 6 per cent a year, said Crown Prince Shaikh Salman Hamad Al-Khalifa.

The 38-year-old Prince was quoting from an International Monetary Fund study on the growth of the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA).

But, he added, 'This is less than what we've been growing at in previous years, but it's still significant enough to interest those seeking to expand their business.'

The Crown Prince was speaking to about 100 business leaders at a Middle East Business Group seminar organised by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF).

Other factors on Bahrain's side are its lower business cost, compared to that of Dubai or Doha, and high living standard.

These were highlighted by the chief executive of Bahrain's Economic Development Board, Shaikh Mohammed Essa Al-Khalifa.

He also pointed out the sectors offering investment opportunities. They include manufacturing, finance, telecommunications, healthcare and education.

SBF's chief executive Teng Theng Dar believes the MENA region is promising, noting that amid the gloom, it is the 'one bright spot amid this gloom'.

'To the Singapore business community, this region would bean even more attractive market as it is 'one of the remaining few in the world that can offer growth opportunities to companies'.'

The Crown Prince on Wednesday also attended a closed-door breakfast dialogue with Minister of State for Trade and Industry Lee Yi Shyan and nine key business leaders to discuss developments and business opportunities in Bahrain.

He met Education Minister and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen as well in the morning. Dr Ng had called on the Crown Prince, who is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Bahrain Defence Force.

The Defence Ministry said the meeting underscores the friendly defence ties between the two countries, that included exchange of visits by senior officers.

The SBF event rounded off the Crown Prince's four-day visit here at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. It is his third visit here, with the second made in March last year.

During his stay, which ends on Thursday, the Crown Prince also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the stock exchanges of the two countries to explore ways to collaborate.