H.E. the Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro affirmed the strength of historical relations between Bahrain and the United States of America, upon receiving US Ambassador Steven C. Bondy in his office this morning, in the presence of Ministry Undersecretary, Ms. Eman Al-Doseri. Noting the importance of developing bilateral cooperation in the economic field to achieve mutual benefits.

During the meeting, a number of issues of common interest were reviewed, as the Minister praised the increase of trade exchange rates between the two countries, and the expanse of joint cooperation, stressing the importance of maximizing the benefit of the FTA, especially by encouraging private sector institutions to engage in commercial activities in order to achieve goals and aspirations.

H.E. Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdullah bin Adel Fakhroo received in his office at the ministry today the Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Piyush Srivastava, in presence of HE Ms. Eman Ahmed Al Doseri undersecretary of the ministry of industry and commerce.

The meeting reviewed Bahraini-Indian relations and partnership, stressing the importance of developing economic relations and noting the attractive investment environment in Bahrain and the privileges and facilities provided to investors inside and outside Bahrain.

For his part, the Ambassador noted the remarkable progress of bilateral relations in economics, praising the government's efforts to develop the flow of investments.

H.E. Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro received in his office Bangladesh Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam.

During the meeting, the Minister welcomed the Ambassador, and pointed to the importance of mutual visits and joint economic events in strengthening and advancing bilateral relations, stressing the Kingdom's commitment to increase the prospects of bilateral cooperation, in what serves the best interest of both countries.

For his part, the Bangladeshi ambassador stressed his continuous keenness to increase the prospects of bilateral cooperation for the benefit and development of both countries and their peoples.

His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Adel Fakhroo, Minister of Industry and Commerce, inaugurated the event held by Lulu Hypermarket to showcase and support Bahraini products in celebration of the 51st National Day of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The event was held at Al Dana Mall on December 8 and 9, 2022.

The event spotlighted a number of sectors, including Bahraini SMEs, a Bahraini Farmers' Market, products that have been promoted by Export Bahrain across the global shelves of LuLu and a foodie spotlight on Bahraini chefs. The event was accompanied by a festive National Day holiday promotion on a wide selection of products throughout the store in all the 9 LuLu stores in Bahrain.  with a unique spotlight: a promotional platform to support Bahraini SMEs which are the living core of the Kingdom's economic development. The event was also supported by Export Bahrain, the government body promoting Brand Bahrain goods globally.

On this occasion, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, indicated that this national occasion is one to celebrate Bahraini people and their interdependence and loyalty to their leadership, which reflects the vision of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the efforts and directives of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in achieving integrated development and prosperity.

For his part, LuLu Group Director, Mr. Rupawala stated “We are proud to show our commitment to Bahrain by framing the immense progress in Bahraini products over the past couple of years," said LuLu Group Director, Mr. Rupawala, “As a responsible multinational organization, we believe in leveraging our footfall and customer loyalty to promote Bahraini goods. These aspects of national growth are powered by young Bahrainis and form the core of the Kingdom's future progress.  We are looking forward to a lively interaction with the public over the coming National Day weekend."

LuLu has also taken Bahraini products around the world – in partnership with Export Bahrain & Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Lulu has enabled the placement of Bahrain-made goods by SMEs in its stores around the world. In Bahrain, Lulu also enables local enterprise through shelf space for micro-enterprises, SMEs and local farm produce.

H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, conducted an inspection visit to Manama Central Market to inspect its conditions ensure the availability of all basic foodstuff, the flow of products and their quantities, and available stock to ensure price stability, in addition to listening to observations and suggestions of consumers and traders to improve services provided to them.

Upon his arrival to the central market, His Excellency the Minister was received by Mr. Khalid Al-Amin, Chairman of the Food and Agriculture Sector Committee at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Eng. Mohammed Saad Al-Sahli, Director General of the Capital Municipality, and a number of officials in the Municipality,H.E. the Minister stressed the Ministry's commitment to conduct these tours on a regular basis around various markets in the Kingdom, pointing out that specialized departments of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce monitor markets constantly to ensure commitment to legislations and regulations.

The minister monitored the smooth sales and availability of varieties of fruits and vegetables at stable prices, and listened to observations and requirements of sellers, noting that the ministry, through complementary roles with the relevant authorities, always seeks to overcome obstacles and find appropriate and sustainable solutions to maintain the vitality and flow of the market.

His Excellency the Minister concluded his tour by thanking the Capital Municipality, the BCCI, and all traders and consumers for their continuous cooperation with the Ministry, noting the importance interaction to achieve aspirations, confirming the Ministry's efforts to promote the commercial sector and enhance its productivity and sustainability.

The Auditors' Disciplinary Board, which held its sessions at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, decided to fine an audit office 10,000 BD, and fine another office 5,000 BD, after proof of external auditors law violation, as well as violating principles of profession and responsibilities entrusted to them, and committing acts that offend the profession, making false statements, and not conforming to international standards of auditing, and preparing and presenting financial statements.

The Ministry requested the convening of the Disciplinary Board after several reports submitted by the Companies Control Directorate at the Ministry, about detecting errors in the final accounts of many of companies they audited, and reports of their violation of international standards of auditing and the preparation and presentation of financial statements, and insufficiency of supporting documents in audit files and other multiple violations.

H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Adel Fakhroo, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's pride in the growth of investment projects and international factories based in the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting the facilitations provided by the Government to enhance the Kingdom's investment position as a gateway for business in the region, and ensuring a  friendly industrial environment for these projects to thrive in, which contributes to attracting major international projects to the Kingdom.

This came during a meeting between the Minister of Industry and Commerce and Mr. Maher Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO of Universal Rolling Factory, where they reviewed a number of topics of common interest and developments and mechanisms of work in the factory.

During the meeting, H.E. Fakhro praised the new steps taken by the management of Universal Rolling Factory to transform the facility into an advanced environment-friendly facility, and their work to increase productivity according to local and international standards, noting factory's significance as one of the largest steel factories in the Kingdom of Bahrain for rebar production.

For his part, Mr. Maher Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO of Universal Rolling Factory, noted the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain to promote and develop partnership between the public and private sectors and raise the contributions of the private sector to the economy and national development.​

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce signed an agreement to lease a 107,000 sqm industrial plot in Salman Industrial City for Bahrain Sugar Refinery LLC, one of the industries that support the objectives of the industrial sector strategy (2022-2026), as the Bahrain Sugar Refinery is a key pillar of the food industry in the region and is expected to increase exports and contribution of the industrial sector to the GDP, in addition to Creating promising job opportunities for citizens.

On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Khalid Fahad Al-Alawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Development at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, noted that the economic recovery plan includes the development of promising sectors, as the Ministry of Industry and Commerce proposed comprehensive economic development initiatives to implement the vision of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, adding that the Bahraini Government, led by HRH  Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is keen on supporting the industrial sector, which contributes to creating qualitative opportunities for citizens, and this is what the industrial sector strategy (2022-2026) seeks to achieve.

 Bahrain Sugar Refinery LLC acquired the sugar factory after bidding it in a public auction for US$ 21.2 M, and it is expected to start operating during the first quarter of next year with a production capacity of about 600,000 metric tons per year for sugar, 7,600 metric tons per year for molasses, and 10,000 metric tons per year for yeast. The company also stated a plan invest approximately BD 70 M to operate and expand the factory in the future by establishing new production lines within integrated industrial zones, the factory will create over 200 job opportunities.