HE Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce hailed the deep-rooted historical relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, that flourished over many decades with mutual respect and cooperation, noting the keenness continue enhancing existing bilateral cooperation in various field through joint visits and agreements.

This came at the annual general ceremony of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, where His Excellency the Minister participated as a keynote speaker. The event was attended by Qays Al Zubi, President of Amcham Bahrain, ana a number of officials.

In his speech, the Minister reviewed a number of vital topics, including the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which contributed significantly and effectively to trade growth, as well as increasing the proportion of agricultural exports from the United States to the Kingdom of Bahrain, looking forward to enhancing the benefit of these relations in the future in various sectors, including technology, finance and tourism.

His Excellency added that we have seen remarkable growth in bilateral trade, in 2022, U.S. goods and services trade with Bahrain totaled an estimated $3 billion, with U.S. exports reaching $1.8 billion and imports at $1 billion. The FTA has already proven to be a catalyst for growth, but we are just scratching the surface with the potential of the agreement. And we need more businesses to leverage in trade and investments.

For his part, Qays Al Zubi, President of Amcham Bahrain, noted that this annual event underscores the commitment of the American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain to strengthening the strong ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America.

HE Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's continuous support to the industrial sector as a key pillar of economic development, in order to provide more quality opportunities for citizens and support the process of construction and development in the Kingdom.

This came during His Excellency’s field visit to “Craft Boat" factory, "H Al-Dhaen Boat Factory" and “Araib Factory for Industry” in Ma'ameer Industrial Area, in the presence of a number of concerned officials, as part of the ministry's efforts to follow-up on all developments concerning the industrial sector.

During the visit, the Minister was briefed on the factories’ current situation, and reviewed the production processes and services they provide, stressing support for all industrial activities, especially high added value industrial, commercial and service projects. 

H.E. Fakhro also pointed to the importance of cooperating with various entities to implement the objectives of the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026), which revolves around increasing the contribution of the industrial sector to the GDP, increasing industrial exports of national origin, and providing promising job opportunities for citizens in the industrial sector. Noting that the strategy is based on supporting the sector's transformation towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution, applying the concept of a circular carbon economy and environmental and social governance, encouraging investment in technological infrastructure, digitizing manufacturing, and increasing supply chain efficiency through industrial integration.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce attended the launch of the international "Apple" store at Seef Mall, Manama. Organized by United Electronics Company (eXtra), as a result of the fruitful cooperation between eXtra and Apple, and introducing a new addition to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s digital market. 

His Excellency affirmed the pioneering efforts and initiatives of the private sector to enhance Bahrain’s advanced position in trade and investment, noting the government’s full support to everything that would enhance economic growth.

The store provides customers with a unique shopping experience in the Kingdom of Bahrain by providing the full range of "Apple" products, as well as a wide range of various accessories. This serves the company's strategy to expand its reach in the region to feature the full range of "Apple" products with a distinctive service and presentation.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, attended the World FZO 10th World Congress, held in Dubai, with the participation of a group of global business leaders and free zone officials, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, under the theme “Zones And The Shifting Global Economic Structures - Unlocking New Investment Avenues”

Minister Fakhro participated in the ministerial meeting held within the conference, where discussions focused on the future role of artificial intelligence and new technology in global trade. The meeting gathered a number of Ministers and discussed the importance of utilizing AI and modern technology in promoting global trade and achieving sustainable and comprehensive development.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Minister met with H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and H.E. Mr. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and H.E. Mr. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation. 

Minister Fakhro stressed the depth of relations and cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

The World FZO 10th World Congress discusses the top priorities of the free zone sector, with the participation of representatives from more than 100 countries, and in the presence of more than 2,000 global business leaders and officials. This year, the annual event coincides with the 10^th anniversary of the establishment of the World FZO, with the participation of some of the most important experts, specialists and decision-makers in the fields of free zones, logistics, and investments.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce met with Mr. Eric Giraud-Telme, French Ambassador to Bahrain, and discussed a number of topics of common interest, including enhancing cooperation between the two friendly countries in the economic field.

The Minister affirmed that the bilateral relations between Bahrain and France are witnessing continuous development and progress at various levels and fields, especially in trade and economy.

As for his part, Ambassador Tilm expressed his sincere appreciation to the Minister of Industry and Commerce, praising the efforts made towards strengthening cooperation between the two countries. 

In the presence of H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, and H.E. Mr. Vinod Kurian Jacob, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and with the participation of a number of officials and businessmen, the opening ceremony of the first branch of Bikanervala restaurant chain was held in Bahrain.

On this occasion, the Minister of Industry and Commerce noted the growing investments in various fields between Bahrain and India, which reflects the extent of the historical relations between the two countries.

Indian Ambassador Mr. Vinod Jacob, welcomed the opening of the new branch of the chain in Bahrain, saying that: " We see the increasing familiarity and liking for Indian cuisine are every level, be it Bahraini homes or parties or weddings," Ambassador Jacob said, "I congratulate Bikanervala on adding flavour to the Bahrain food scene."

For his part, Mr. Pankaj Agarwal, Director of Bikanervala said that Empire Restaurant Co., the managing company had signaled its investor confidence in Bahrain’s thriving economy.

The company is well-known for its fusion of traditional expertise with modern technology. With a focus on customer satisfaction, ‘BIKANERVALA’ has set industry standards with their ISO certified products and their 105-year legacy of superb Indian culinary offerings.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce continues its efforts to ensure the implementation of Resolution No. (14) of 2022 regarding the prohibition of manufacturing, importing or using single-use plastic bags with a thickness of less than 35 microns, emerging from Ministry's efforts to support environment friendly initiatives, and complying to the government's program in securing an environment that supports sustainable development, in order to achieve Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 in protecting natural spaces and wildlife and reducing environmental pollution and the spread of plastic waste.

The Ministry continues its comprehensive inspection campaigns on shops and points of sale that use plastic bags in the Kingdom, to ensure the commitment of local markets to the legal ban, and to ensure full compliance with standards to guarantee safety and quality, at the same time ensuring that this does not have a negative affect on consumer or manufacturers.

The inspection campaigns showcased the high level of commitment to the decision, as 551 samples were withdrawn for testing from 502 shops, and results showed that 83% of the withdrawn samples conform to the requirements, while 17% of the samples were found to be in violation of the requirements, and necessary legal measures were taken regarding violators, noting that some types of single-use plastic bags with a thickness of less than 35 microns, that are used for medical purposes and for international export and garbage collection are excluded from the ban.

This campaign aims to ensure that plastic bags traded in local markets conform to the ministerial decision, while monitoring and correcting violations.

Notably, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued Resolution No. (14) of 2022 regarding the prohibition of manufacturing, importing or trading single-use plastic bags with a thickness of less than 35 microns, which was implemented on September 18, 2022.

Dr. Khaled Fahad Alalawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Development at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, participated in the ninth edition of the Belt and Road Summit, held in Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China between 11-12 September 2024, under the theme “Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road”. The summit was attended by more than 6,000 policymakers and businessmen from Belt and Road countries and regions, with the aim of exchanging ideas and experiences on the application of green technology; and discussing ways to explore new development opportunities within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative in the Middle East and other emerging markets.

In his keynote speech at the summit, Dr. Khaled Fahad Alalawi addressed the Kingdom of Bahrain's efforts in supporting sustainability, especially in the field of sustainable manufacturing, in addition to the pillars of the industrial sector strategy (2022-2026) that support the transformation of the industrial sector to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and to spread the concepts of circular carbon economy and environmental and social governance, which support the Kingdom of Bahrain's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. 

Alalawi explained that advanced manufacturing that combines cutting-edge technology and sustainability is one of the most promising areas in which Belt and Road countries can be integrated, laying the foundation for efficient and environmentally responsible industries.