H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, participated in the Industry and Investment Forum between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the People's Republic of China, organized by China’s National Development and Reform Commission, in the presence of GCC Ministers of Commerce and Investment, and a number of Chinese senior officials.

In his speech during the launch of the forum, the Minister stressed that bilateral relations between Bahrain and China are witnessing continuous development in various sectors, noting the mutual commitment to expand cooperation, especially in the commercial and industrial sector.

Fakhro added that the forum bears witness to the determination of the GCC countries to work closely with Chinese investors and promote China as an investment destination for the GCC, within the framework of a system that offers attractive advantages for investment, especially in the industrial sector.

In this context, His Excellency referred to the industries targeted by the Kingdom of Bahrain within the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026), which seeks to achieve a number of goals to advance industrial development with high added value.stating that there are a number of advantages, incentives and enablers that the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain has launched during the past two years to activate FTAs with major economic blocs, and make Bahrain an ideal bridge to access global markets, as it has prominently shown progress in many global economic indicators such as the ease of conducting business, human capital and economic freedom. 

In the same regard, His Excellency noted the Government of Bahrain’s support for the industrial sector, by providing facilities for the implementation of major industrial projects and supporting investment to accelerate the transformation of the industrial sector towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as digitize manufacturing, promote sustainable industrialization, and raise the efficiency of supply chains by achieving GCC industrial integration.

The forum discussed ways to push industrial and investment cooperation to achieve industrial and investment prosperity on both sides. As well as highlighting the Xiamen Ministerial Initiative on deepening industrial and investment cooperation between China and the GCC, launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the first China-GCC Summit in December 2022 on discussing the establishment of the China-GCC Forum for Industry and Investment, and to further enhance practical cooperation between China and the GCC.

H.E. Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro affirmed that the historical relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States are developing steadily towards prosperity and growth, noting the keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields, through mutual visits and agreements.

This came during His Excellency’s participation as a key speaker in 7th Annual U.S. Alumni Reception on May 20, 2024, at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa, under the theme “Lifelong Learning,” organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy, in the presence of H.E. Steven C. Bondy, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Qays H. Zu'bi, President of AmCham Bahrain, and a number of officials.

H.E. the Minister stressed in his speech that enhancingcooperation between varioussectors to supportgraduates in thelabor marketand benefit from their innovations andcreativity has agreat impacton nationaldevelopment paths and enhancingcompetitiveness in the globalmarket. Noting the importanceof attractingand embracingindividuals with creative talents, leadership skills and entrepreneurial thinking.

For his part, H.E. Steven C. Bondy, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, emphasized the value of educational and cultural exchanges: “We are proud to honor the incredible, creative, and energetic alumni of education and exchange programs between our two countries. Study abroad and cultural exchanges are life-changing opportunities that expand minds and bring individuals of different backgrounds together – and Bahrain has a long tradition of building bridges between people and cultures. Our two countries have always been pioneers in education – both in making it accessible, and in putting it to work in the service of the greater good. We are grateful to AmCham Bahrain for their partnership in supporting this tremendously important event, and His Excellency Minister Fakhro for participating.”

Qays H. Zu'bi, President of AmCham Bahrain, highlighted the significant impact of American education in his address: “The American educational system, renowned for its diverse and innovative approaches, plays a crucial role in shaping the global leaders of tomorrow. It offers a unique blend of rigorous academic challenges and expansive extracurricular opportunities, fostering not only intellectual growth but also personal development. These experiences are transformative, equipping students with critical thinking skills, a broad perspective, and an enduring commitment to excellence.”

Al Zu'bi, stressed that this annual ceremony underscores Amcham’s commitment to strengthen the strong ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, and to support the professional development of US graduates in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain expressed gratitude to the sponsors of this event, namely: the American University of Bahrain, West Point Home Bahrain, NHSC, and Gulf Hotel.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, visited a number of factories in Salman Industrial City, in the presence of a number of officials, as part of the Ministry's efforts to follow-up on developments of the industrial sector, and to identify its requirements and future plans.

During the visit, the Minister affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's pride in the growth of investment projects and international factories based in the Kingdom, noting the facilities provided by the government based on visions and strategies aimed at enhancing the Kingdom's investment position as a gateway for business in the region.

 His Excellency elaborated that many projects seek to keep pace with the industrial sector strategy (2022-2026), which aims to increase the contribution of the industrial sector to the GDP, increase the exports of the industrial sector of national origin, and provide promising job opportunities for citizens in the industrial sector, in addition to supporting the sector's transformation towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

His Excellency’s visit included Manama Packaging Industries, Creative Design, and Devji Aurum Gold and Diamond Factory. Where he was briefed on the current situation in the factories, and listened to a detailed explanation of the production processes and services they provide, as he stressed support for all economic activities, especially industrial, commercial and service projects with high added value to the national economy.

HE Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, inaugurated the new Megamart branch in Bahrain Harbour Waterfront, in the presence of a number of officials and stakeholders.

The Minister stressed the importance of adopting policies that enhance the facilitation and competitiveness of commercial projects, praising the expansion of thriving hypermarkets in the Kingdom, and their ability to meet local community needs and requirements.

Moreover, His Excellency congratulated the Megamart group for the new expansion, and praised the contributions of the private sector in pushing the national economy, and its complementary role in upgrading development projects.

H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce received in his office Mr. Jawad Yousuf Al Hawaj, Chairman of the Bahraini-Chinese Friendship Society, and a number of members of the association.

His Excellency affirmed the strength of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the People's Republic of China, noting the importance of enhancing ways to expand cooperation, especially in the industrial, commercial and investment fields.

The minister praised the role of the Bahraini-Chinese Friendship Society in consolidating relations in industry and trade and expanding horizons for cooperation, following the recently signed cooperation program, the "Silk Road Economic Belt".

H.E. Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro met with Algerian Minister of Trade and Export Promotion Tayeb Zitouni, in the presence of Algerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mahmoud Braham, as part of his official visit to the Kingdom.

The Minister praised the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Algeria and noted the importance of supporting efforts of the private sector and investors to frame mutual ambitions in establishing joint projects.

Moreover, the meeting discussed many topics of common interest, where His Excellency the Minister reviewed the facilities provided by the Kingdom of Bahrain to investors and commercial projects, noting the attractive environment and strategic location that qualifies it to embrace major projects.

H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce received in his office this morning HE Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Kingdom of Bahrain Andrea Catalano, on the occasion of his appointment as his country's ambassador to the Kingdom.

The Minister hailed the advanced level of Bahraini-Italian relations and the growth of joint cooperation at various levels, pointing to the importance of enhancing trade and investment exchange, and consolidating economic and trade relations, in order to achieve common interests.

His Excellency wished the ambassador success in performing his new diplomatic duties.

HE Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce received Chargé d'affaires of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. A. K. M. Mohiuddin Kayes.

H.E. the Minister stressed the strength of the bilateral relations between the two countries and the positive developments they are witnessing at various levels, noting the importance of continuing to consolidate these relations, especially in the industrial and commercial fields to achieve common goals and aspirations.