HE Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry and Commerce, confirmed that the UK has been a major investment partner on a global scale for more than 200 years, and that the growth in trade volume between both countries is witnessing remarkable development in various sectors, reflecting the significance of the distinguished historical relations between both countries.
This came during the participation of The Minister of Industry and Commerce HE Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani as keynote speaker at a luncheon organized by the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) in the presence of the British Ambassador to Bahrain, HE Mr. Roderick Drummond, and Mr. Khalid bin Rashid Alzayani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Forum and a number of officials and stakeholders. During which several topics and upcoming projects were reviewed by both countries at the Diplomat Hotel - Bahrain.
HE the Minister presented a number of important and vital topics, including the results of the meetings between the UK-Bahrain Joint Working Group, most importantly the FTA between the GCC and the UK, which is one of the most ambitious and comprehensive agreements, which will contribute to strengthening relations and economic growth by promoting trade in goods, services and other areas that benefit the public and private sectors of both parties.
The Minister then discussed Bahrain's strategic and ambitious plan (economic recovery plan - economy post pandemic) launched by the esteemed Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2021, which considered one of the major plans for economic growth. The new plan aims to enhance Bahrain's long-term economic competitiveness, while achieving sustainability goals, which are based on several axes that include: labor market reform plan, regulatory reform package, strategic project plan, financial balance program, priority sector development plan.
HE also pointed out the Kingdom of Bahrain's launch for a new 10-year golden residence visa (golden visa) which provides expatriates and foreign investors with the opportunity to stay in the country permanently, elaborating on the positive impact this step has on attracting more investments and other positive outcomes on the economic sector. HE also presented the new SIJILAT 3.0 update, an advanced electronic system highly qualified in the registration and licensing of businesses in the Kingdom of Bahrain and fully connected to all electronic systems of the relevant government entities.
Hoping that this forum achieves its ambitious goals in developing the highly esteemed relations between Bahrain and the UK.