The chief executive of Bahrain's economic development board will lead a delegation visiting Minnesota next week.

The Minnesota High Tech Association said it will host a reception for the delegation at Ecolab's R&D Center in Eagan on Feb. 16.

The association said the Bahrain Economic Development board is visiting the state to strengthen its relationships with Minnesota businesses and consider potential investment opportunities.

"Minnesota is of particular interest because of our diverse business sectors and synergies between our economy and Bahrain's," according to an invite to the reception.

The visit from the Bahrain delegation comes at a time when more international investors have expressed interest in helping Minnesota companies. Bahrain is located in the Middle East.

Last month, five Minnesota companies went to Saudia Arabia to foster business relationships, find clinical sites or land financing there.