We are fortunate in Bahrain to have had significant growth in the level of gross premiums over the last several years. In 2007, insurance premiums increased by more than 20% and the interim reports received for 2008 appear to indicate a similar trend.
I have benefited from many years of contact and shared experiences with Agustín and his colleagues at the central bank of Mexico. Some years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Bank of Mexico. As an economist, I found the visit very stimulating. But I must confess that I enjoyed the trip as much for the cultural excursions as for the economics.