In line with the Kingdom of Bahrain's comprehensive development goals, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Excellency Zayed R. alZayani, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, today announced the new 2022-2026 tourism strategy which aims to diversify the Kingdom's economic portfolio, in parallel with the recently launched Economic Recovery Plan.

 

HE the Minister's announcement was made during a press conference organised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

 

The Minister added that the Kingdom of Bahrain is working on increasing the tourism sector's contribution to GDP, in line with the government's development plans, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

 

HE the Minister noted that in line with the Kingdom's economic recovery plan, the tourism sector will aim to increase the total number of tourists to 14.1 million by 2026, the average daily visitor spends to BHD 74.8 and raise the average tourist's stay to 3.5 days.

 

HE alZayani highlighted that the tourism plan will contribute to the national economy, increase the Kingdom's competitiveness, and attract further investments that will benefit the country and its citizens.

 

HE alZayani added that the new tourism strategy is an extension of the 2016-2019 strategy, which has achieved its goals despite various challenges.

 

"When the strategy was launched in 2015, the travel and tourism sector represented less than 4% of the gross domestic product. Tourism's contribution to GDP has grown to approximately 7% as a result of the efforts and initiatives launched by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority," the Minister noted.

 

HE the Minister stressed that efforts will be increased to ensure the success of the new tourism strategy.

 

HE alZayani outlined the strategy's framework, which includes four main objectives: increase the contribution of tourism to GDP to reach 11.4% in 2026, to highlight Bahrain's position as a global tourist hub, increase the number of targeted countries to attract more tourists, and diversify tourism products.

 

Minister alZayani indicated that the plan is based on four strategies: to facilitate entry into the Kingdom, diversify and develop tourist attractions, market and promote tourism via the Kingdom's national carrier "Gulf Air" in partnership with the private sector, and enhance tourist accommodation.

 

HE alZayani noted the role of travel agencies in further developing the tourism sector, adding that the best travel agents have been identified in the main global markets to target and attract additional tourists.

 

​HE alZayani emphasised that the tourism strategy relies on seven pillars: developing marine attractions, business tourism, sports tourism, recreational tourism, medical tourism, cultural tourism, and media tourism and cinematography.

 

HE the Minister noted that the launch of the new tourism strategy follows the implementation of major national tourism projects, including the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sakhir, which is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

 

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority is also developing several tourism projects, including the diving waterfront, the Bahrain Bay beach project, and the Qalali Coast waterfront.

 

HE the Minister said that the implementation of the economic recovery plan and the tourism sector development strategy has led to the construction of the Al Dana Theatre, which held its first event yesterday.

 

In this regard, HE the Minister stressed the importance of these national tourism projects to showcase Bahrain as a destination, thus contributing to economic growth and creating opportunities for citizens.

 

The Minister also highlighted the progress of work on tourist resort projects, such as the Mantis Hotel and Resort in the Hawar Islands, the Jumeirah Bahrain Bay Resort, the Tourist City project, the Bilaj Aljazayer Beach development project, and the Saada project, which will be completed by January 2023.

Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Al Zayani the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the Information Systems Directorate in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism will be hosting the eCommerce Conference for SME’s which shall highlight the topic of “Business Digital Transformation”, over the period of three days, starting from November,23 2021 to November,25 2021 in Crown Plaza Hotel, and will be attended by participants from several small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs, either through physical attendance or virtual attendance through ZOOM platform.

 

This event is considered a unique opportunity that opens its doors and encourages SME’s to adopt the latest eCommerce trends and enables them toward faster digital transformation and innovation to empower them to compete globally. The conference will include various discussion panels that will be attended by specialized companies in the field of eCommerce and digital transformation and present the most prominent success stories in the local market. The conference activities will begin with a focus on digital solutions in the eCommerce field, for example, artificial intelligence technology, the importance of the Internet of Things, 5G networks and digital marketing channels. Furthermore, it shall highlight ePayments solutions such as eWallets and electronic payment gateways that facilitate and manage the electronic transactions easily and safely.

 

Considering the spread of eStores and eMarketplaces nowadays, it has become necessary to focus on the steps of creating a successful eStore and eMarketplace, and to highlight the importance of the digital marketing which will increase the spread of products or services provided via the Internet. Moreover, it is noteworthy to address the significant role of the logistics and export which enable businesses to expand locally and internationally. Prominent local and international export companies will be hosted to discuss the latest logistic solutions and present success stories in the field of cross-border eCommerce. Highlight 

 

In addition, the conference will discuss two types of support provided for SME’s; The first part will highlight the role of related entities that are concerned with the innovation lab in the field of eCommerce to facilitate digital transformation for entrepreneurs through discussing and presenting creative ideas and the possibility to convert them into real projects through the participation of business incubators and accelerators. The second part will examine the initiatives offered by government sector to foster and develop the eCommerce sector and to overcome the challenges that business owners may face in this field.

 

The conference will be accompanied by an exhibition for relevant companies and commercial establishments to present the most prominent projects and online Solutions and to provide exclusive packages and offers to SMEs owners.  Furthermore, this event is considered as a meeting point to exchange experiences and learn about successful experiences and applications locally in the field of eCommerce.

 

The registration is still open for SMEs owners and all interested in the field of the digital transformation to participate in the event by registering through this link https://service.moic.gov.bh/eform/ecom_sme. For further inquiries and information about the event, please do not hesitate to contact us on 17574782, or via ecom@www.moic.gov.bh​.

Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Al Zayani the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the Information Systems Directorate in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism will be hosting the eCommerce Conference for SME's which shall highlight the topic of “Business Digital Transformation", for a period of three days, from November, 23^rd  2021 to November, 25^th 2021 in Crowne Plaza Hotel, and will be attended by more than 5,000 participants from several small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs, either through physical attendance or virtual attendance by ZOOM platform.

This initiative is one of the eCommerce National Strategy initiatives to facilitate the eCommerce sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which aims to provide the latest technical solutions and trends in eCommerce field that will enhance the digital transformation for the commercial establishments, and in addition to increase awareness of the procedures that contribute to stimulating their businesses to keep up with the future trends in eCommerce sector. The conference will highlight the best practices and gather experts under one roof in an annual event and will host the most prominent success stories and popular practices in the local market in this field.

The conference will include several discussion panels which will serve as a link between entrepreneurs, business owners, companies, small and medium enterprises and specialists in the field of eCommerce and between government and private sectors concerned with providing eCommerce services, solutions and trends, which will contribute to encourage the spread of these establishments and expand their online transactions, and it opens the door for expansion towards global markets, which in turn will increases the growth of Bahrain economy.

Hence, we would like to invite all interested in this field to participate in the event by registering via the following link: https://service.moic.gov.bh/eform/ecom_sme. For further information and details about the event, please contact us on 17574782 or by email: ecom@www.moic.gov.bh.

H.E. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of the Kingdom of Bahrain announced today the official launch of the FTA negotiations between the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and the United Kingdom. In a phone call that took place earlier today between H.E. Minister Alzayani and The Right Honorable Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, joined by The Right Honorable Ranil Jayawardena Minister of International Trade, as well as H.E. Dr. Nayef bin Falah Alhajraf, Secretary General of GCC, and HE Mr Abdulraham Ahmed Alharbi, Governor of Saudi General Auhtority for Foriegn Trade and General Coordinator for Negotiations at the GCC General Secretariate &and Head of GCC Negotiations Team, and H.E. Sh. Hamad bin Salman Alkhalifa, Assistant Under Secretary for Domestic and Foreign trade at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

It is worth noting at this juncture that an FTA between the GCC countries and the UK would add a new chapter to what is already a long standing and strategic partnership, evidenced by annual trade of £30 billion in goods, as well as an additional £19 billion of services. Making it one of the largest trading relationship for both parties.

H.E. Minister Alzayani commented “It brings me great joy and pleasure to officially announce the official launch of FTA negotiations between GCC countries and UK today, an initiative that we have worked tirelessly on realizing since The Kingdom of Bahrain assumption of the GCC presidency at the beginning of this year. It is no doubt that we shall collectively embark on a new chapter, which will solidify our long standing trade and investment cooperation and build upon the strong foundations forged over the past centuries.

At this juncture, I feel obliged to present my thanks and gratitude to H.M. King Hamad bin Isa Alkhalifa, The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and HRH. Prince Salman bin Hamad Alkhalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain for their continued guidance and support towards this significant economic initiate, for without which we wouldn't have been able to reach what we have reached today. I also wish to thank my GCC counterparts and the Government of the United Kingdom led by The Right Honorable Prime Minster Boris Johnson, and H.E. Minister Trevelyan and H.E. Minister Jayawardena and their teams for their continuous and invaluable cooperation.

Moreover, I wish to thank the GCC Secretariat led by Secretary General H.E. Dr. Alhajraf, and all GCC member states working teams on their genuine efforts and congratulate them on this remarkable milestone. Finally, I wish H.E. Dr. Alharbi and his negotiating team a fruitful and successful negations".

The Lower Criminal Court headed by Judge Mahmoud Al Siddiqi, issued its ruling in Case No. 07202003518, known as the Hamala Warehouse Case, while the Criminal Execution Prosecution assigned the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to confiscate and destroy spoiled and expired foodstuffs, the subject of the aforementioned case and at the expense of the convicts.

The details of the case indicate that the defendants knowingly possessed, traded and sold spoiled, contaminated and expired foodstuffs. The defendants changed the expired dates on the foodstuffs and placed valid dates on them.

The Defendants in the case were sentenced with varying verdicts, which included imprisonment from three to five years, fines from BD2,000 to BD5,000, and permanent deportation.

The court ordered to confiscated the items, amounting to 94,000 food products, to destroy it and the company's registration was permanently written off from the records of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism.. ​

HE Mr. Zayid bin Rashed Al Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, held a phone call with the Sri Lankan State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, with whom he discussed ways to bolster cooperation between the two countries.

Mr. Al Zayani highlighted Bahrain's distinguished economic capabilities, which entitled it to be a favourable destination for regional and international investors.

"This is the fruitful outcome of the successful policies adopted by the government, including easy procedures to boost the economic sector and attract more investments and value-added mega projects," he said.

The two sides also discussed areas of joint cooperation in many sectors, particularly entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Topics related to the tourism sector and other issues of mutual interest were also discussed. ​

The  Inspection Directorate in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MoICT), has recently destroyed expired goods that were last year confiscated from a warehouse in Hamala.

The step follows the decision announced by the Public Prosecution to task the Ministry to confiscate and destroy the items.

On the occasion, Mr. Abdulaziz Al Ashraf, Assistant Undersecretary for Control and Resources, explained that the court has sentenced the individuals involved in the case with varying verdicts, which included imprisonment from three to five years, fines from BD2,000 to BD5,000, and permanent deportation.

The punishments came in response to the defendants' involvement in replacing the validity dates on the expired commodities with new ones and trading it in the local market.

Mr. Al Ashraf clarified that the destruction process was done in cooperation with the relevant authorities in the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health and the Southern Area Municipality, in implementation of the Public Prosecution's decision.

The destroyed items included 94,000 food commodities of more than 80 brands of different origins. He added that investigations in the case has led to another warehouse in Juffair, where 14,000 products were detected.

The items included multiple food items such as rice, lentils, chickpeas, black pepper, turmeric, pickles, tomato paste, grape leaves, corn, coconut powder and others.

Mr. Al Ashraf expressed thanks and appreciation to the Public Prosecution, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health and the Southern Area Municipality for their cooperation in the case.

He reaffirmed the Ministry's keenness to defy any attempts of commercial fraud that would pose risk to the health of citizens and residents.​

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MoICT), in cooperation with BENEFIT, has recently announced a new service to pay bills for renting industrial plots affiliated with the Ministry through the “Fawateer" service via the BenefitPay app, through which the Ministry aims to facilitate the procedures for paying bills for renting industrial plots in an easy and flexible manner.

This step comes as part of the Ministry's endeavors to employ technology to facilitate many services for companies and factories located in industrial areas. The new service will enable investors to pay bills for renting industrial plots through the “Fawateer" service on BenefitPay, and it will require the plot number the tenant wishing to use this service to pay the amount owed through a simple step.

On the occasion, Mr. Khalid Fahad Al Alawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industry Development, stated: "The partnership of the government sector with the private sector is a strategic partnership that aims to improve and automate government services as part of the Ministry's vision towards digital transformation to serve investors and companies in the industrial sector, which falls among its priorities. This initiative and partnership with a reputable institution such as BENEFIT contributes to the development of everything related to the Ministry's payments in general. Industrial investors can now complete the process of paying industrial services rental bills with the a simple click."

On his part, Mr. Yousif Al Nefaei, Deputy CEO of Business Development and Financial Services at BENEFIT, said: "The industrial sector and many other sectors face many challenges regarding collections and payments but there are also huge opportunities when it comes to automation and innovative services for those processes in general. It has become clear that partnerships are the key to joining the wave of change and reaching the next evolution in the world of payments, which must be driven by partnership. At BENEFIT, we have a vision to take the lead in digital transformation and contribute to the creation of an innovative and cohesive ecosystem for consumers, businesses, investors and all stakeholders."

It is worth mentioning that the service of paying bills for renting industrial plots is the first service launched by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism through the Fawateer platform. It is hoped that similar services will be launched for other sectors due to the its advantages; being free, safe, easy to use and saving time and effort. ​