H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, stressed the importance of regulating the use of photovoltaic systems in industrial areas, to achieve optimal utilization of industrial plots and enhance the efficiency of resource use.

This came with the issuance of Ministerial Resolution No. (39) of 2025 amending some provisions of the executive regulations of Decree-Law No. (28) of 1999 regarding the establishment and organization of industrial zones issued by Resolution No. (1) of 2000, which aims to introduce regulatory requirements for the installation of photovoltaic energy systems in the industrial zones.

His Excellency affirmed that the decision stems from the industrial sector strategy (2022-2026) which aims to support sustainable industrialization, corresponding with the national action plan to achieve carbon neutrality through a low-carbon economy and adaptation to climate change, in addition to the importance of creating sustainable opportunities in the new green economy.

The Minister added that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is working through a set of initiatives to promote green production, namely the "Green Factory Labeling" and the "Industrial Transition Accelerator", which support the Kingdom of Bahrain's directions in achieving sustainability at various levels, by encouraging factories to use renewable energy sources and reduce electricity consumption, in addition to preparing factories to achieve sustainability and facilitate their export, which require compliance with environmental standards.

Notably, the decision regulates the mechanism for installing photovoltaic systems within the industrial zones of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to achieve optimal use of industrial plots in these areas, based on a number of technical standards compatible with the regulatory requirements for construction in various regions in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The decision stipulates that it is permissible to install a photovoltaic panel system for tenants of industrial plots after obtaining necessary licenses, and to install them on roofs and building facades, in addition to using them as  parking lot shades and for generating renewable energy, provided that the percentage of the area allocated to the photovoltaic panel system in the unused space areas does not exceed 30% of the total area of the industrial plot.

H.E. Ms. Eman Ahmed Al Doseri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, received Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at the United Nations Development Program, and his accompanying delegation. 

H.E. Undersecretary affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s keenness to increase opportunities for cooperation with the UN and its various development programs, and praised the efforts and contributions made by the United Nations and its agencies in supporting economic development in the region.

For his part, the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at the UN Development Program expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the efforts to support development initiatives and programs.

His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce received Dr. Abdulhassan Al Dairi, Chairman of Bahrain small and medium enterprises (SMEs) Society., and a number of members of the Society.

  His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Commerce affirmed the Ministry's support for all economic sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain, including the SMEs sector, which is witnessing a remarkable growth in its contribution to the GDP, thanks to the government‘s facilities and initiatives.

The meeting also reviewed the latest developments and topics related to the SMEs sector, in addition to highlighting the continuous efforts to support its growth in a flexible and supportive business environment..

For his part, Dr. Abdulhassan Al Dairi, Chairman of Bahrain small and medium enterprises (SMEs) Society, stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between the Society and government to further enhance the role of small and medium enterprises in supporting the Bahrain’s economy, expressing his thanks and appreciation for the government's efforts in empowering this vital sector.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, received Mona Al Maaloul, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Tunisia to Bahrain.

The meeting reviewed the strong bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Tunisia, and the positive developments they continue to witness across various fields. His Excellency emphasized the importance of expanding joint cooperation, particularly in the industrial and commercial sectors.

The meeting also discussed a number of topics of mutual interest, reflecting the commitment of both sides to further strengthen bilateral collaboration.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, received (BBMA) Chairman Ahmed Abdullah bin Hindi, and Vice Chairman Mr. Abdulhakeem Ebrahim Al Shimari, and a number of members of the Board of Directors, where a number of topics related to the commercial sector were discussed. 

The minister praised the remarkable efforts of Bahrain Businessmen Association (BBMA) in strengthening the Bahraini private sector, and its contribution to support economic development in the Kingdom of Bahrain, affirming the Ministry’s continuous support to the Association, to promote effective partnership between the public and private sectors.

His Excellency hailed the association's keenness to interact positively with various economic topics, and its active participation in events and forums both locally and internationally, which contributes to enhancing foreign economic cooperation and reflects the commitment to supporting the Kingdom's efforts to consolidate its position as an attractive regional investment hub.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce calls on all commercial establishments in the Kingdom of Bahrain to start taking necessary steps to comply with Resolution No. (43) of 2024 regarding commercial transactions of commercial establishments before the deadline on June 13, 2025.

The resolution binds all existing and new commercial establishments to open a commercial bank account with one of the licensed banks in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and provide a reliable e-payment method, such as electronic payment systems, point of sale (POS) devices, or electronic payment gateways.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, said: "We are entering a new phase of financial and commercial development in Bahrain, and we call on all businesses to seize this opportunity to upgrade their business and adopt modern payment systems that provide security and efficiency." "Resolution No. (43) of 2024 is not just a legal obligation, but a step towards improving financial operations and enhancing transparency. We urge all enterprises to take the initiative immediately, to ensure a smooth transition towards a safer and more advanced financial system.

For more information, you can visit the Ministry's website https://www.sijilat.bh or call 80008001.

H.E. Mr. Adel bin Abdulla Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce received H.E. Sumate Chulajata,  the newly appointed Ambassador of Thailand to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The minister highlighted the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Thailand, underscoring the commitment to advancing cooperation across various domains, particularly in Economy and Investments.

On his part, Ambassador Chulajata affirmed the depth of ties between the two countries, and praised Bahrain’s efforts in advancing bilateral investment and cooperation.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce organized the activities of the twentieth GCC Consumer Protection Week, in coordination with consumer protection authorities and departments in the GCC countries, to emphasize the importance of the unified GCC role in protecting consumer rights in light of the sector’s rapid developments and growing challenges at local and regional levels.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed that this year’s GCC Consumer Protection Week plan translates the directives of the Heads of Consumer Protection in the GCC Committee, in an aim to unify awareness campaigns and community activities to enhance joint awareness and exchange of expertise among GCC countries, to serve the best interest of GCC consumers and provide a safer and fairer commercial environment.

His Excellency elaborated that the GCC Consumer Protection Week is an important platform to send targeted awareness messages to all segments of society, as the events aim to empower consumers with knowledge of their rights and duties, increase their awareness of the complaint mechanisms and legal protection available to them, in addition to highlighting the efforts of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain in developing legislation, programs and policies that support consumer protection.

Within the framework of this week's activities, the Minister of Industry and Commerce stressed that this year's celebrations acquire a distinctive character through the launch of the "young Consumer and young merchant " initiative, at Seef Mall – Manama, with the aim of instilling the principles of consumer awareness and commercial responsibility among children from a young age, and introducing them to the basics of the relationship between consumer and merchant, and the rights and duties of each party, which contributes to preparing a conscious generation capable of making responsible consumer decisions.

He added: "We believe in the importance of instilling a culture of conscious consumption in the hearts of children and youth, as they are the basic building block of our future society. The young Consumer and young Merchant initiative is a practical step towards achieving this goal, through an interactive and enjoyable educational experience that combines benefit and knowledge."

Moreover, Minister Fakhro praised the efforts of supporting national authorities, stressing the continuation of constructive coordination between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, represented by the Consumer Protection Directorate, the Ministry of Education, INJAZ Bahrain, and "Mytoyco", which represents an active partner in implementing consumer awareness programs.