The Joint Economic Committee between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) held its thirty-eighth meeting, in the presence of the Minister of Industry and Commerce Zayed R. Alzayani and the Chairman of the BCCI Board of Directors, Sameer Nass.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the orders issued by His Highness regarding the abolition of the flexible work permit, registration of all expatriate workers in partnership with the private sector, intensification of inspection campaigns, strict measures with violators, and linking professional work permits with standards and qualifications, as well as providing the appropriate environment for workers taking into account their rights, which in turn increases the effectiveness of their role in economic development, abolishing infrastructure cost recovery fees associated with the issuance of building permits, and developing financing solutions to provide infrastructure in new areas. As well as His Highness's directives to government agencies concerned with presenting investment opportunities for the public and  private sector partnership, aiding economic growth and development.

 H.E. added that these wise directives confirm His Highness's keenness to advance national economy and create a distinct development environment that stimulates further investments.  Supporting the comprehensive foundation established by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Minister Alzayani affirmed the Ministry's commitment to cooperate with the BCCI and the private sector on all common issues, expressing the government's support for all steps and initiatives towards developing the economic sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
 
He highlighted the active role played by the Chamber as a representative of private sector entities, in achieving the set national goals for the commercial and industrial sectors.

For his part, the Chairman of BCCI's Board of Directors, Sameer Nass, stressed on the importance of consultative meetings in achieving common goals. He highlighted the Ministry of Industry and Commerce's efforts in addressing economic challenges, while ensuring the inclusion of the BCCI as an active partner in the formulation of economic decisions.

The meeting discussed a number of issues on its agenda and both sides presented updates related to their entities.