His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, took part in the 69th meeting of the GCC Committee for Trade Cooperation and the 55th meeting of the GCC Committee for Industrial Cooperation, held in Kuwait. The meetings were attended by GCC Ministers of Trade and Industry and His Excellency Mr. Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The discussions covered key topics including updates on GCC free trade agreement negotiations with global economic blocs, proposals to regulate cross-border trade in services within the GCC common market, and initiatives to support Gulf entrepreneurs and SMEs’ integration into regional and global markets.
The meetings also reviewed efforts to develop a unified GCC framework for e-commerce and consumer protection, and policies to support national industries—such as measures to counter harmful trade practices and promote advanced and sustainable manufacturing across the region.
On the sidelines, His Excellency joined consultative meetings between GCC Ministers, business leaders, and chambers of commerce to discuss shared priorities and the private sector’s role in driving Gulf economic development.
He also met with His Excellency Dr. Saad bin Othman Al-Kasabi, Governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, to discuss ways to strengthen trade relations between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, His Excellency participated in the 10th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Standardization held in Kuwait. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Mr. Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, along with ministers and senior officials from member states, where the committee discussed and approved several key items, including new Gulf technical regulations, the authority’s 2026 budget, its 2026–2030 strategic plan, and the internal regulations of the GCC Accreditation Center.
 

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, received Riham Abdelhamid Mahmoud Ibrahim Khalil, Ambassador of Egypt to Bahrain.

The meeting discussed the strong bilateral relations between Bahrain and Egypt and ways to enhance cooperation, especially in economic and investment fields.

H.E. the Minister praised the Ambassador’s efforts in strengthening ties and affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the Bahraini-Egyptian economic partnership through greater private sector collaboration.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability and expand green spaces, especially within industrial zones.

During a tree-planting event in Salman Industrial Area marking Tree Week, H.E. highlighted the Ministry’s cooperation with the private sector and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, noting that over 2,500 trees have been planted so far. He added that 16 industrial companies have joined the greening initiative as part of their social responsibility to advance sustainable development goals.

The Minister also announced updated criteria for the “Green Factory Label”, introducing a new requirement for factories to dedicate at least 10% of their plots to tree planting.

Launched during COP28, the Green Factory Label offers incentives to factories that meet environmental standards, helping them enhance sustainability, access financing, and expand into export markets.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain) held its annual meeting under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce. The event brought together senior officials, business leaders, and members to discuss the growing Bahrain–U.S. partnership.

H.E. Fakhro praised AmCham’s role in strengthening investment ties, highlighting the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) as a key step toward deeper economic and security cooperation.

AmCham President Qais Hatim Al Zubi noted a 7% growth in membership and the organization of over 40 events and initiatives aimed at promoting trade and strengthening partnerships between the two countries.

The meeting concluded with appreciation to sponsors including WestPoint Home Bahrain and Chevron for their continued support in advancing Bahrain–U.S. economic relations.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed that Bahrain is rich in talented nationals and that investing in their development is key to advancing the Kingdom’s comprehensive development, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

This came as the Minister received Engineer Hanin Aref Marsal, who was accepted into the 11th batch of the Prime Minister’s Program for Developing Government Cadres.

His Excellency highlighted the ministry’s commitment to supporting and empowering young Bahraini talents by providing a motivating environment that enhances their leadership and administrative skills.

Engineer Haneen expressed her gratitude to the Minister for his support and affirmed her commitment to making the most of this opportunity to further develop her skills and serve the nation.

H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, met with H.E. Alastair Long, UK Ambassador to Bahrain, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral trade relations.

The Minister emphasized the strong ties between Bahrain and the UK and the importance of boosting trade and investment opportunities. Ambassador Long expressed pride in the partnership and his country’s commitment to expanding cooperation to serve mutual interests.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, received H.E. Mr. Henning Georg Simon, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Bahrain.

The meeting reviewed Bahraini-German relations and ways to strengthen cooperation, especially in economic and investment fields. Minister Fakhro praised the ambassador’s efforts to enhance bilateral ties and highlighted the steady growth of relations between both countries.

The ambassador expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s commitment to advancing economic and investment cooperation to new levels of progress and openness..

The Equal Opportunities Committee at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce held its third 2025 meeting, chaired by Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Ashraaf Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry.

The committee reviewed initiatives to promote an inclusive work environment, support the advancement of Bahraini women, and strengthen gender balance in line with the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women (2025–2026). It also discussed preparations for participating in the Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Award.

Al-Ashraaf highlighted that the award reflects Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka’s vision and commitment to women’s progress in all sectors. The committee further explored ways to enhance members’ skills and support ongoing institutional and administrative development.