The Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani head the Bahraini Delegation participated in the consultative Ministerial meeting in Buenos Aires in Argentina on Saturday, 9 December 2017.

The meeting which is organized by the Islamic Development Bank on the eve of the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference from 10-13 December is an opportunity for ministers to exchange views and visions and discussed topics on the agenda of the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference.

On the sidelines of the 11th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in Buenos Aires, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism participated in the consultative meeting which was held together with Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Saudi Minister of Commerce and Investment, Mr. Abdullah Al Saleh, UAE Ministry of Economy, with the UK Minister of Trade Policy Greg hands.

They discussed the aspirations of the participating countries and the outcome of the Ministerial Conference and their expectations for the future of WTO. They also discussed countries’ aspiration after UK exit from the EU and the opportunities for cooperation in investment and intra-trade.

Undersecretary of Commerce Affairs Mr. Nader Al Moayyed met with Mr. Sergey Golikov - Head of Komi Republic, Russian Federation and the accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, a number of mutual topics were discussed and reviewed. Undersecretary referred to the great efforts undertaken by the leaders and governments of the two countries to enhance their mutual relations and raise trade exchange and exchange their experiences to the required level. He stressed the keenness of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to highlight the potential of Bahrain as attractive hub for international investments, especially in light of the stimulating environment and facilities provided by government to investors.

The Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani chaired the 27th  Joint Economic Committee between the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry in presence of BCCI Chairman Mr. Khalid Al Moayyed and a number of committee members from both sides at Bait Al Tijjar.

During the meeting, the minister confirmed the support of the government and the Ministry for all steps and initiatives carried out by Bahraini Chamber of Commerce and Industry that benefit the national economy.

Among the topic on his agenda, the minister briefed on the new developments of new exhibition city, in addition to the developments of the Export Development Center, follow up the development of old Manama Souq.

The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani chaired the 8th meeting of the National Committee for the World Trade Organization in presence of members and representatives of government agencies and private sector.

During the meeting, they discussed a number of topics on the agenda including those related to the successful workshop on Implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and its result and positive impact of this agreement on trade exchange between the Kingdom of Bahrain and its commercial partners, which leads to increased foreign investor confidence in Bahrain business environment.

They also reviewed proposed to establish a technical working group to follow up the Implementation of Trade Facilitation Agreement as well as their preparation for the 11th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, which will be held in Argentina, Buenos Aires in December 2017.

The minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani chaired SMEs Development Board meeting in presence of CEO of Bahrain Economic Development Board Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, CEO of Bahrain Development Bank Mr. Sattam Alogsaibi, CEO of Tamkeen Dr. Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi.

The establishment of SMEs Development Board came under the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister based on the Economic Vision 2030 due to the importance of SME sector in the local economy, in addition to the urgent need for a national board specialized in its affairs.

During the meeting, a number of organizational topics were discussed for SMEs Board and its role in coordinating the efforts of public and private sector and enhancing ties of cooperation and integration within the framework of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

They also touched the development of micro, small and medium enterprises in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the current reality of the institutions with the main focus of current and future programs in five main areas: facilitating financing, regulating business environment, developing skills and enhancing innovation, as well as the market access which focuses on several aspects especially Export Development Center.

D&B consulting company provided a visual presentation on study on how ready the industrial sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain for export. In this context, the stages of the study were reviewed from an analysis of the reality of the Bahraini market and the evaluation the status of small and medium enterprises as well as the micro and entrepreneurial, as well as identifying gaps in export vulnerability and identifying priority exportable sectors. It is worth mentioning that the study will be completed by the end of this year.

They also reviewed government’s effort to develop policies and strategic plans for entrepreneurship and develop projects aimed to enhance their contribution to GDP and creates jobs, as well as establishing necessary rules and regulation to coordinate between SMEs and concerned parties. 

The minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani chaired SMEs Development Board meeting in presence of CEO of Bahrain Economic Development Board Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, CEO of Bahrain Development Bank Mr. Sattam Alogsaibi, CEO of Tamkeen Dr. Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi.

The establishment of SMEs Development Board came under the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister based on the Economic Vision 2030 due to the importance of SME sector in the local economy, in addition to the urgent need for a national board specialized in its affairs.

During the meeting, a number of organizational topics were discussed for SMEs Board and its role in coordinating the efforts of public and private sector and enhancing ties of cooperation and integration within the framework of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

They also touched the development of micro, small and medium enterprises in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the current reality of the institutions with the main focus of current and future programs in five main areas: facilitating financing, regulating business environment, developing skills and enhancing innovation, as well as the market access which focuses on several aspects especially Export Development Center.

D&B consulting company provided a visual presentation on study on how ready the industrial sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain for export. In this context, the stages of the study were reviewed from an analysis of the reality of the Bahraini market and the evaluation the status of small and medium enterprises as well as the micro and entrepreneurial, as well as identifying gaps in export vulnerability and identifying priority exportable sectors. It is worth mentioning that the study will be completed by the end of this year.

They also reviewed government’s effort to develop policies and strategic plans for entrepreneurship and develop projects aimed to enhance their contribution to GDP and creates jobs, as well as establishing necessary rules and regulation to coordinate between SMEs and concerned parties. 

Undersecretary of Commerce Affairs Mr. Nader Al Moayyed met with a number of Parliamentary delegation of the State Duma of the Russian Federation led by Russell Borisovich Butashek, who are currently visiting the Kingdom of Bahrain.

During the meeting, they discussed several issues and topic related to the economic relation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Russia. Undersecretary praised the role undertaken by the leaders and governments of the two countries to develop and strengthen these relations,

He also stressed the importance of mutual visits to exchange visions between decision-makers and legislators in enhancing parliamentary experience and strengthening economic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Russian.