Director of Standardization & Metrology held a meeting with the representatives of the Bahrain Logistics Syndicate headed by Mr. Abdul Ghaffar Al Bastaki, in the presence of representatives from Bahrain Transport Society and Bahrain Customs Clearance Society.

During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments work process of syndicate on products and national and administrative technical requirements for buses and trucks under the general use classification. They also touched the difficulties that face by traders and importers during customs clearance and mechanisms that contributes to facilitate their work.

The Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani chairs the 2nd   meeting of the task force for Reducing Operational Expenditure (Rents). 

During the meeting, they discussed applications received from various government bodies on Operational Expenditure (Rents). Forming task force came to implement the financial balance program, and under the decision of Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Financial Affairs (No. 2/2018) to Assign  the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to chair  the task force for Reducing Operational Expenditure (Rents).

Under the patronage of the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Assistant Undersecretary of Resources & Services Mr. Abdulaziz Alashraaf launched "Bahrain eCommerce Academy" initiative. The ceremony held in cooperation with ThinkSmart for Development and Training and Tamkeen support at the Wyndham Grand Hotel Manama. 

The ceremony began with a welcome speech by Mr. Abdulaziz Alashraaf, in which he stressed the importance of specialized training courses in eCommerce for the adoption of innovation and entrepreneurship, overcoming the technical gap and all the challenges that may face by the commercial establishments in Bahrain. This will help in building a productive economy that is able to compete globally by elevating the private sector, individuals and institutions, and enabling them to play its national role in advancing economic development.

Furthermore, Mr. Alashraf stated that "eCommerce today opens new horizons for businesses in various sectors, especially as the volume of eCommerce sales around the world is increasing and reaching an annual rate of 25.3 trillion US dollars, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) During the opening of the "eCommerce week" in April 2018. He also pointed that the value of eCommerce between companies is estimated at 22.4 trillion US dollars. While the volume of electronic commerce from companies to consumers about 2.9 trillion US dollars. This confirms the vitality of this economic sector and its various successes, especially with the presence of more than two million companies around the world working in this area.”

To support these digital transformations, the Bahrain eCommerce Academy will contribute in the creation of an integrated training platform based on the refinement of technical skills and the provision of the necessary information and expertise, which will encourage investment in the field of eCommerce and qualify the entrepreneurs and the Bahraini community in eCommerce transactions.

Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism always seeks to launch initiatives aimed at regulating trade transactions through the enactment of legal frameworks and legislations that in turn enhance confidence among the dealers.

Moreover, Mr. Ahmed Al-Hujairi, Group CEO of ThinkSmart said in the launching ceremony that "With the technological developments we are witnessing today, the need for specialized training courses in the field of eCommerce has become a prerequisite for the growth of businesses using electronic channels, that help them enter the global markets.”

As well as “this academy will provide Bahraini businessmen and startups with the necessary electronic technical skills and train them on how to use the global platforms such as Amazon that can help immensely in electronic marketing and development.”

Mr. Ahmed Al-Hujairi Appreciated the support of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism for launching the eBusiness academy and Tamkeen for providing financial support through which it will contribute to creating quality training opportunities for Bahrainis in this field.

Founder and Chairman of Aquitude Consulting and Training in the field of eCommerce and digital marketing Ms. Christina Loannidis gave a presentation explaining the future of eBusiness and the elements of success by building clear strategies using the basics of eCommerce.

The first eCommerce training course will be launched today with the participation of 25 trainees from business, and emerging companies to incorporate the basic skills of eCommerce, to understand the concepts needed to manage eBusiness, and to focus on the benefits of eCommerce applications for businesses. This training course will last for four consecutive days at the Wyndham Grand Hotel Manama.

​Under the Patronage of HE Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Undersecretary of Industry Affairs Mr. Osama Mohammed Alorrayedh today performed the grand opening of DEVJI & Company’s new gold factory and DEVJI Aurum’s gold and diamond jewellery factory located in the Bahrain International Investment Park  (BIIP) in Salman Industrial City Bahrain. The opening took place in the presence of HE Mr. Alok Kumar Sinha (Indian Ambassador to Kingdom of Bahrain). 

On this occasion, Undersecretary of Industry Affairs said, “I am delighted when looking for a new production location in the GCC region Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) stood out as your preferred location, based on the quality infrastructure and the competitive advantages Bahrain offers, along with our business friendly environment.”

H.E. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism said: “The decision to locate this new facility in the Bahrain International Investment Park is a testament to the quality of the location and the competitive advantages which Bahrain has to offer to international companies. This investment greatly strengthens Bahrain's position as a global destination for manufacturing excellence. We wish DEVJI Group every success and we will continue to provide every support possible as they grow their business in Bahrain.’’

H.E. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), said: “We’re delighted to welcome Devji & Company’s new gold factory and Devji Aurum’s diamond & jewellery factory to Bahrain. This investment is yet another example of the strength of Bahrain’s long-established and diverse manufacturing sector and demonstrates how Bahrain’s status as one of the region’s manufacturing centres helps create investment opportunities. Manufacturers from around the world have established operations in Bahrain to take advantage of the Kingdom’s liberal business environment, excellent regional transport links, low operating costs and skilled local workforce.”

The event was also graced by the presence of H.E. Alok Kumar Sinha, The Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, who commented, “This investment by DEVJI Group demonstrates once again the excellent business ties that exist between the two countries and the capabilities that can be brought to bear when the opportunity presents. We look forward to seeing more such investments in the industrial sector combining stakeholders from both of our countries’’

Mr Bhaskar Devji quoted that ‘We are delighted to mark this significant milestone by opening our two new state-of-the-art jewellery production facilities on Bahrain International Investment Park. The Devji name carries with it certain expectations, built by the service and quality delivered over the years. We have been recognized for our craftsmanship and innovation, hard work, dedication, entrepreneurship and the vision of the founder is reflected in every aspect of the business.'

The company has been established since 1950 to manufacture and market Bahraini jewellery to customers across the GCC sold via their network of wholesale offices and Retail stores. Building on a strong-rooted heritage in gold jewellery the legacy of Late Founder Shri Devjibhai Ramjibhai Sagar, and nine generations of goldsmiths before him. The cornerstones of Craftsmanship, Innovation, Integrity and Empathy drive the passion for the craft and the surety that his innate vision brings each piece to life.

The second generation of Devji Family – Mr Bhaskar Devji, Mr. Prakash Devji, and Mr. Mahesh Devji learned the skills and principles from their father and expanded the business across the GCC & India with more than 21 retail and wholesale locations. The third generations in the family Mr Kapil Prakash, Mr. Arjun Bhaskar, Mr. Dev Mahesh & Mr. Abhishek Prakash are actively taking part in the business operations and have made strong contributions to the current expansion of the group.  

The Devji Group has invested approximately BD 8 million including infrastructure built over 6,000 sq metres of industrial space in the BIIP and manufactures handcrafted, eye-catching designer bridal, fashion diamond and gold Jewellery. The two units currently employs 130+ highly skilled artisans. Further investments are planned to enhance the superiority of the product qualities to compete with global competition targeting to employ additional 100+ staff in BIIP. The group has further expansion plans in the ​middle-eastern region and is all set to make a global footprint by entering new markets in the west and far-east. The group also has plans to participate in prestigious international jewellery exhibitions such as Couture and JCK in Las Vegas, Baselworld Switzerland, VICENZAORO Italy, HongKong Jewellery & Gem Fair and many other international jewellery exhibitions to showcase best quality jewellery that is “Made in Bahrain”.

A range of VIPs and senior executives attended the event including shareholders, management, MOICT, EDB, Tamkeen, Municipality, Customs, along with Devji and Company customers, suppliers, staff and representatives from the Indian, banking and legal communities.

The minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani received in his office the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alayam Newspaper Mr. Najeeb Al Hamer, Editor in Chief Mr. Isa Alshayji and Alayam Board Member and Editor-in-Chief of online newspaper Mr. Rashid Al Hamer.

During the meeting, the Minister expressed Government's support and support to all local media institutions aimed at enhancing the good reputation of the Kingdom of Bahrain and highlighting the achievements of the Kingdom regionally and globally, praising the great role played by Alayam to achieve Kingdom’s vision especially in the economic field.

The minister also reviewed the economic developments and growth witnessed by the economic sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the volume of investments that were attracted by the region and the world. 

As part of his participation in the World Investment Forum in Geneva, the minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani met Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Mr. Frances Gurry.

During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues and topics of common interest and shared experiences in the fields of patents and trademarks, praising the efforts of the WIPO Organization in providing the required technologies in the field of intellectual property.

On the sideline of World Investment Forum, which is held in Geneva, the Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani participates in the Second Global Leaders Investment Summit under theme of “Investment in a new era of industrialization”. 

The summit covered a number of important topics in terms of industrial investment including the challenges facing this type of investment and the impact of new industrialization which is based on digitalization.

The Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani participated in the First Global Leaders Investment Summit under theme of “Investment in a new era of globalization”. This came on the sideline of World Investment Forum in Geneva.

During the summit, they discussed the impact of globalization on the global economies and the challenges facing the countries of the world, especially in the trade and investment area.