The Ministry of Industry and Commerce continues its efforts to ensure the implementation of Resolution No. (14) of 2022 regarding the prohibition of manufacturing, importing or using single-use plastic bags with a thickness of less than 35 microns, emerging from Ministry's efforts to support environment friendly initiatives, and complying to the government's program in securing an environment that supports sustainable development, in order to achieve Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 in protecting natural spaces and wildlife and reducing environmental pollution and the spread of plastic waste.

The Ministry continues its comprehensive inspection campaigns on shops and points of sale that use plastic bags in the Kingdom, to ensure the commitment of local markets to the legal ban, and to ensure full compliance with standards to guarantee safety and quality, at the same time ensuring that this does not have a negative affect on consumer or manufacturers.

The inspection campaigns showcased the high level of commitment to the decision, as 551 samples were withdrawn for testing from 502 shops, and results showed that 83% of the withdrawn samples conform to the requirements, while 17% of the samples were found to be in violation of the requirements, and necessary legal measures were taken regarding violators, noting that some types of single-use plastic bags with a thickness of less than 35 microns, that are used for medical purposes and for international export and garbage collection are excluded from the ban.

This campaign aims to ensure that plastic bags traded in local markets conform to the ministerial decision, while monitoring and correcting violations.

Notably, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued Resolution No. (14) of 2022 regarding the prohibition of manufacturing, importing or trading single-use plastic bags with a thickness of less than 35 microns, which was implemented on September 18, 2022.

Dr. Khaled Fahad Alalawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Development at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, participated in the ninth edition of the Belt and Road Summit, held in Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China between 11-12 September 2024, under the theme “Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road”. The summit was attended by more than 6,000 policymakers and businessmen from Belt and Road countries and regions, with the aim of exchanging ideas and experiences on the application of green technology; and discussing ways to explore new development opportunities within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative in the Middle East and other emerging markets.

In his keynote speech at the summit, Dr. Khaled Fahad Alalawi addressed the Kingdom of Bahrain's efforts in supporting sustainability, especially in the field of sustainable manufacturing, in addition to the pillars of the industrial sector strategy (2022-2026) that support the transformation of the industrial sector to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and to spread the concepts of circular carbon economy and environmental and social governance, which support the Kingdom of Bahrain's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. 

Alalawi explained that advanced manufacturing that combines cutting-edge technology and sustainability is one of the most promising areas in which Belt and Road countries can be integrated, laying the foundation for efficient and environmentally responsible industries.

HE Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce received this morning in his office the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mrs. Martina Kindt.

The Minister praised the Belgian Consulate’s efforts and its role in strengthening joint economic relations between Bahrain and Belgium. The meeting reviewed the most prominent features of the economic environment in the Kingdom of Bahrain, promising investment opportunities in various sectors, and easy procedures to attract local and global investments, stressing the impact of official visits in enhancing joint economic, trade and industrial cooperation.
 

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce stressed the depth of historical economic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of India, noting the great role played by active diplomacy in consolidating cooperation between the two countries, especially in the economic field.

This came during a meeting between the Minister of Industry and Commerce, and H.E. Mr. Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, where they discussed a number of topics of common interest, referring to decades old joint projects and economic agreements between the private sector poles in both countries.

For his part, the Indian Ambassador expressed his deep thanks to the Kingdom of Bahrain in general and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in particular for all its efforts in consolidating joint relations to serve common interests.

The Inspection Directorate at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, announced the seizure of counterfeit engine oil products sale without a license, the products were found to carry fake data and fake trademarks of original companies.

The administration indicated that the efforts made by the inspection team resulted in the disclosure of the presence of engine oil products bearing non-original trademarks for multiple companies, and the vehicle, which was carrying 96 boxes of 4 liters of these products, was monitored and confiscated, and the violator was referred to the Public Prosecution with all necessary documents, reports and examinations.

The inspection directorate clarified that the products were subjected to examination in approved laboratories, where the analysis report confirmed that they did not match the specifications of the original brand and were classified as non-originals.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce affirmed the commitment to continue control campaigns to follow up on goods and prices, combat commercial fraud, and complete the application of regulatory procedures against violators.

The ministry bids reporting any commercial fraud practices or other violations, through the communication channels available to the inspection directorate through email: Inspection@moic.gov.bh, Or via WhatsApp on the number: 17111225, or through the National System for Suggestions and Complaints “Tawasul”

Notably, Law No. (12) of 2018 on the unified system for combating commercial fraud for the GCC states penalties up to three years in prison, and fines up to one hundred thousand dinars, or one of the two, in addition to defamation of violators at their own expense. The penalties also include violations of conducting commercial activities without a license in accordance with Law No. (27) of 2015 on the Commercial Registers.

HE Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, praised the positive initiatives taken by leading international companies to enhance economic activity and expand their circle of investment, in addition to diversifying the options for consumers from various global sources, highlighting the esteemed government's support for enhancing Bahrain's economic position and consolidating the Kingdom’s good reputation in this aspect.

This came during the official opening ceremony of Defacto at Seef Mall, where the Minister was welcomed by Nad founder and CEO Mr. Nabeel Dabwan and ‏Seef Properties Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Yusuf.

The Minister toured the first branch of DeFacto stores, which specializes in fashion, accessories, shoes and home clothes that suit everyone, and provides a modern and smart shopping experience in Bahrain.

Located on a total area of 1,500 square meters, DeFacto offers a wide range of men's, women's and children's fashion through sub-brands such as DeFacto Baby, Defacto Cool, Defacto Fit. It is the latest fashion store for Nad Group, which includes a wide range of restaurants and retail stores.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce and Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security, discussed bilateral investment cooperation and new opportunities to expand the existing partnership to serve mutual strategic and development visions.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce stressed that the United Kingdom is a major global investment partner, and that economic relations are witnessing steady growth towards achieving common strategic visions. He also pointed to the importance of the free trade agreement between the GCC countries and the United Kingdom, which will constitute an important and historic turning point in the well-established trade and investment relations between the two sides.

The meeting discussed a number of issues of common interest, and reviewed ways to support the development and increase the volume of bilateral investments. HE the Minister affirmed the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain to enhance aspects of bilateral cooperation with the United Kingdom in all fields, especially economy. He also pointed to the vital role that the private sector can play in both countries, which can contribute significantly to achieving common goals.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce received at his office this morning Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Kingdom of Bahrain Reham Abdulhamid Mahmoud.

The Minister welcomed the Egyptian ambassador and affirmed the keenness to strengthen the course of relations and distinguished partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt to serve common interests, noting the need to advance cooperation in various fields, especially those related to the development of the industrial, commercial and economic sectors.