New market study, "Bahrain Water Report Q2 2013", has been published

The kingdom is making tentative efforts in the direction of reform, as evidenced in the Q113 appointment of the reformist Crown Prince Salman as deputy prime minister. It remains to be seen if the future successor to King Hamad will be able to promote a conciliatory agenda, and to push for economic reform, but after the drift of the past two years the move is nonetheless a positive. The water sector remains a priority sector for the Bahrain authorities, and the news that the Ministry of Public Works is forcing contractors to work round the clock to repair sewage systems reveals how important the sector as a whole is. We expect a greater reinforced focus on the water sector through the remainder of 2013 and into next year as well

The key trends and developments in Bahrain's water sector are:

* Bahrain remains a problematic location for international investors and water companies, and despite an improvement in the overall investment climate in the past year, the outlook for companies is not especially inviting. There are some positives; the March 2013 elevation of the reformist-inclined Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad al-Khalifa, to deputy prime minister, may suggest a shift in favour of the proreform elements within the governing apparatus. The incumbent prime minister, Salman's uncle Khalifa bin Salman, on the other hand is seen as a bulwark of conservatism and has opposed reform historically. The move does not necessarily mean that Salman is becoming more powerful, but with his remit to promote economic and political reform, his elevation may yet represent a positive development for the political and economic framework in Bahrain .
* If Salman is able to use his new position to promote reforms that enable some engagement for the Shia population, then there is a possible payoff in the form of a more stable political environment. That would provide greater reassurance for prospective investors in Bahrain's water sector that the forecast period will not witness a renewed outbreak of violence on a par with H1 2011.
* Desalination remains central to the island's future water supply, accounting for the vast majority of water consumed in Bahrain and the majority of that is provided by the Hidd IWPP. New work to existing desalination plants will increase this share over time. Most of this capacity is provided via privately financed and operated structures, under independent water and power projects (IWPPs).

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Full Report Details at
- http://www.fastmr.com/prod/589100_bahrain_water_report_q2_2013.aspx?afid=303
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