The Joint Economic Committee between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) held its thirty-eighth meeting, in the presence of the Minister of Industry and Commerce Zayed R. Alzayani and the Chairman of the BCCI Board of Directors, Sameer Nass.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the orders issued by His Highness regarding the abolition of the flexible work permit, registration of all expatriate workers in partnership with the private sector, intensification of inspection campaigns, strict measures with violators, and linking professional work permits with standards and qualifications, as well as providing the appropriate environment for workers taking into account their rights, which in turn increases the effectiveness of their role in economic development, abolishing infrastructure cost recovery fees associated with the issuance of building permits, and developing financing solutions to provide infrastructure in new areas. As well as His Highness's directives to government agencies concerned with presenting investment opportunities for the public and  private sector partnership, aiding economic growth and development.

 H.E. added that these wise directives confirm His Highness's keenness to advance national economy and create a distinct development environment that stimulates further investments.  Supporting the comprehensive foundation established by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Minister Alzayani affirmed the Ministry's commitment to cooperate with the BCCI and the private sector on all common issues, expressing the government's support for all steps and initiatives towards developing the economic sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
 
He highlighted the active role played by the Chamber as a representative of private sector entities, in achieving the set national goals for the commercial and industrial sectors.

For his part, the Chairman of BCCI's Board of Directors, Sameer Nass, stressed on the importance of consultative meetings in achieving common goals. He highlighted the Ministry of Industry and Commerce's efforts in addressing economic challenges, while ensuring the inclusion of the BCCI as an active partner in the formulation of economic decisions.

The meeting discussed a number of issues on its agenda and both sides presented updates related to their entities.

H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry and Commerce, received Batelco Chairman, Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, to discuss a number of topics of mutual interest.

During the meeting, H.E. the Minister affirmed the important role played by Batelco in improving the performance of commercial institutions, enhancing the digital services provided by the company to both public and private sectors and keeping track of the latest developments, especially in data management and security. H.E. noted that these efforts strengthen Bahrain's position as an important regional center that attracts major international companies specialized in information and communication technology.​

Moreover, H.E. expressed pride in the contributions of national companies to the country's development, affirming the Ministry's continued support to advancing their role in supporting the growth of the national economy.

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce H.E. Ms. Eman Al-Doseri received New Zealand's Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Bahrain residing in Riyadh, Barney Riley, in the presence of Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade SH. Hamad bin Salman Al Khaifa, where they discussed several topics of common interest.
 
During the meeting, HE the Undersecretary welcomed the Ambassador and affirmed the Kingdom's aspiration to enhance cooperation, especially in the industrial and commercial sectors, which serves the interest of both countries.
 
For his part, the Ambassador highlighted the friendly relations between New Zealand and Bahrain and praised the Ministry's efforts towards strengthening cooperation between the two countries in all fields to achieve development and prosperity.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced that as of Saturday October 1, 2022, imports of motor batteries with a capacity of 32 to 225 amps from Turkey and India will be subject to anti-dumping duties, with the exception of AGM and EFB battery types. ​

This announcement follows Cabinet's approval of a decision made by the GCC Ministerial Committee for Industry, to impose anti-dumping measures to mitigate the harmful effects brought about by international trade on local and GCC made products.

Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Development at the Ministry, Dr. Khaled Fahad Alalawi, highlighted that the decision was made following a complaint lodged by the regional industry to the Technical Secretariat Office on the effects of dumping of the imported products in question on regional goods.

He stated that the investigation showed an increase in the volume of dumped imports from Turkey and India. He added that duties imposed will be based on the dumping rate of the product, in an effort to support local and domestic manufacturers and industries.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce ministerial order No. (14) for the year 2022 regarding the ban on selling, manufacturing, circulating, and importing single-use plastic bags which are less than 35 microns in thickness has gone into effect on September 18, 2022.​

The Assistant Undersecretary for Local and Foreign Trade, Shaikh Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa affirmed that the decision aims to support environmental protection initiatives and limit the spread of plastic waste. He highlighted that the ban is in line with the government's plans for securing an environment that supports sustainability and reduces pollution. 

He added that the ban will exclude single-use plastic bags that are more than 35 microns in thickness, single-use plastic bags that are used for medical purposes and bags that are used for exports. The Ministry in cooperation with relevant entities has also ensured the availability of alternatives to the banned single-use plastic bags.

​ Shaikh Hamad stressed on the need to comply with the ban, adding that the Ministry will be conducting inspection visits to ensure compliance.​

The Assistant Undersecretary for Local and Foreign Trade highlighted that market surveys showed that all local factories intend to manufacture multi-use plastic bags that are more than 35 microns in thickness. The survey also showed that 86% of those local factories will continue to manufacture plastic products that are exempt of the new regulation or alternatives to the banned single-use bags.​

HE Ms. Eman Ahmed Al-Doseri, Undersecretary of Ministry of Industry and Commerce, received HE Mr. Shahin Abdullayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan accredited to the Kingdom and resident in Riyadh, to discuss ways to enhance trade exchange between the two countries. In the presence of HE Sh. Hamad Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic & Foreign Trade.

During the meeting, H.E. Al-Doseri welcomed the Ambassador and reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and the positive developments they are witnessing at all levels, noting the importance of continuing work to consolidate and develop these relations.

For his part, Ambassador Abdullayev expressed thanks and appreciation to the Undersecretary, for her continuous keenness to consolidate industrial and trade relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Azerbaijan in what serves the best interest of both parties.​

The Minister of Industry and Commerce, His Excellency Zayed R. Alzayani, met with Her Excellency Orna Barbivai, Israel's Economy and Industry Minister in the presence of Israel's ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE. Mr. Eitan Na'eh, during her visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Minister Alzayani highlighted the significance of mutual official visits and joint investment projects in strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

The Minister affirmed the Government of Bahrain's commitment to supporting economic sectors, noting the important role played by the private sector in driving economic development and growth.

For her part, the Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry, Orna Barbivai, expressed Israel's aspirations for further cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain, especially in the economic and industrial fields, highlighting visions for this positive cooperation to reach wider horizons.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce, H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, received the President of the Bahrain Association for Tolerance and Religious Coexistence, Mr. Yousif Bu Zaboon, and a number of members of the association, in the presence of Undersecretary Ms. Eman Ahmed Al Doseri, and Assistant Undersecretary of Control and Resources Mr. Abdulaziz Mohamed Alashraaf.

During the meeting, the Minster stressed the Kingdom of Bahrain's firm commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, to promoting peaceful coexistence and the values of tolerance and mutual respect among peoples.

His Excellency valued the association's efforts in this regard, highlighting that coexistence, tolerance and respect are important values that have been upheld by Bahrain's long established diverse society.

The Association's President then gave a brief on the different programs and efforts underway, expressing his appreciation to the Minster for his time and support.

His Excellency was then presented with a bilingual version of the book "Bahrain, the homeland of peace" which elaborates on the peaceful coexistence of the citizens and residents of Bahrain.