MANAMA — BNP Paribas and its subsidiaries around the world have, from the outset of the global health crisis mobilized to support hospital systems, medical research and institutions that help the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Actions in aid of communities are the priority of the emergency support plan, especially when deployed in the field, in support of medical professionals, NGOs and social services support associations that are at the forefront of seeking solutions to this healthcare and social crisis.

With a strong local presence, BNP Paribas teams have already been able to provide support, in the form of grants, to numerous local NGOs in Europe, Asia and Africa, various bank solidarity and insurance funds, and research via the Institut Pasteur in France.

As part of the BNP Paribas new emergency support plan, Jacques Michel, head of BNP Paribas Middle East & Africa, announced that Bahrain will receive a contribution of 100,000 EUR which will go towards supporting “There is Good in Us”, the national campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic led by Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, crown prince, deputy supreme commander and first deputy premier.

In a further stance of solidarity with Bahrain and its people, BNP Paribas has taken the decision not to apply for salary support for Bahraini staff as proposed by the government. With a high percentage of Bahraini staff working for BNP Paribas in Bahrain, this amounts to over 2 million Euro.

Commenting on the initiative, Michel stated: “Globally we are faced with a health crisis of the highest magnitude, and I would like to take this opportunity to praise the government of Bahrain for its progressive and agile actions, spearheaded by the National Taskforce for Combating Coronavirus. BNP Paribas are proud to contribute to these efforts to ensure the safety of all residents in Bahrain, many of whom are our own employees.” — SG