Dr. Khaled Fahad Al-Alawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Development, participated in the INNOPROM International Industrial Exhibition, held in Yekaterinburg city in Russia between10-13 July 2023.​

In a dialogue session on "Opportunities for International Cooperation for the Expansion of Russian Industrial Projects in the Middle East", Al-Alawi reviewed the industrial sector strategy (2022-2026), launched within the economic recovery plan as part of the government's plan to develop promising sectors in an aim to increase the contribution of the industrial sector to the GDP, increase exports of national origin, and create promising job opportunities for citizens.

Moreover, Al Alawi pointed to the advantages of investing in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the government's efforts in developing the industrial sector to support the transformation towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution, apply the concepts of a circular carbon economy and achieve industrial integration to enhance the efficiency of supply chains, especially for food and pharmaceutical industries, in addition to highlighting targeted strategic industries.

The Panel Discussion gathered a number of representatives of governments and heads of bodies from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, as well as representatives of major Russian factories.

INNOPROM is the first industrial exhibition in Russia and the region, and it represents a platform to attract foreign investments to Russia, showcasing the latest developments of Russian companies in the fields of metallurgy, electronics, cars, ships, agricultural equipment, robotics and information technology. 

The Kingdom of Bahrain has granted the United Kingdom an accreditation certificate to become an official partner for sea-air cargo services. This decision comes during His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister's official visit to the UK.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce, HE Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, stated how this partnership reflects the longstanding relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom, highlighting the commitment of both countries to cultivating partnerships that benefit each nation and its people. HE Fahkro emphasised the importance of continuing to cultivate bilateral ties between both countries, particularly across the sea and air transport sectors.

This new initiative is designed to deepen economic and trade relations that will attract investments and result in prosperity for both nations.

HE Fakhro added that granting the UK this certificate enables companies in the country an opportunity to obtain an official accreditation certificate as an authorized operator of the sea-air cargo service. The Government of Bahrain intends to grant partner status to more countries, allowing companies based in these countries to apply for accreditation as an operator. This approach falls under the Kingdom's wider strategy to expand its international partnerships.

The Kingdom of Bahrain launched the Global Center for Maritime and Air Cargo Services to enhance the effectiveness of Khalifa bin Salman Port and Bahrain International Airport. Unlike the Khalifa bin Salman Port and Bahrain International Airport which solely provide sea or air services respectively, the center combines sea and air cargo amenities to provide faster and more affordable services.​

Under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ms. Eman Ahmed Al Doseri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, launched the eleventh Information and Communication Technology Conference (MEET ICT) and the Bahrain International Technology Exhibition (BITEX) at Gulf Hotel Bahrain, which takes place between 4 to 6 July 2023 under the theme "Achieving Sustainable Development through Digital Transformation for Industries, Companies and Governments" organized by the Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTEC) and Worksmart for Event Management in the presence of a number of senior officials and stakeholders.

H.E. the Undersecretary affirmed the Ministry's commitment to supporting the technology sector, stressing the pivotal role played by the ICT sector in creating job opportunities, supporting GDP, and accelerating the economic development process.

Her Excellency added that the Government of Bahrain encourages local companies and projects that offer advanced technological ideas and solutions, in addition to that, the advanced digital infrastructure in Bahrain, and the adoption of cloud technologies and qualified and trained human cadres are key factors in attracting partnerships with global leaders in the field of technology, strengthening Bahrain's ecosystem and making it an attractive destination for innovative projects. 

For his part, (BTECH) Chairman Mr. Tariq Fakhro, expressed the Society's appreciation to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce for this sponsorship, stressing the Society's keenness to enhance cooperation and continuous coordination between the Ministry and the companies and institutions of the sector.

The conference will address the development of technological strategies to advance the Kingdom's future position, including encouraging consumers to use sustainable products and services, redirecting capital to sustainable solutions, and inspiring governments to adopt sustainable approaches. In addition, the conference encourages professionals and companies to discuss how digital transformation can improve their business and increase productivity.

In the presence of H.E. Ms. Eman Ahmed Al Dosari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and Mirza AlHelli & Sons B.S.C CEO Mr. Shaker Mirza AlHelli, the official inauguration of the eleventh branch of AlHelli Supermarket was held this morning in Hamad Town.

Her Excellency Ms. Eman Ahmed Al Dosari toured the supermarket and listened to a detailed explanation of the developments that the company added to the new branch, which will serve consumers in this area.

The first branch of AlHelli Supermarkets was opened in 1975 in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and since then it expanded and developed its services to satisfy consumer demands through several branches around Bahrain.

The Board of Auditors Disciplinary, which held its sessions at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, decided to fine an auditor an amount of 20,000 Bahraini Dinars. The Auditor was deemed to have violated the rules of the profession for failing to apply international auditing standards in preparing and presenting financial statements, mentioning false information, and for not reflecting the true financial position of companies.​

The Audit Disciplinary Board was convened after several reports were raised by the Companies Control Directorate at The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, having discovered violations of international audit standards in preparing and presenting financial statements, inadequate documentation in audit files, as well as other irregularities.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce accordingly stated that it will take necessary legal and administrative actions against any auditor found to be in violation of applicable laws and provisions to protect citizens, investors and any who are concerned with audited financial reports.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, stressed the importance of investments that enhance economic growth rates in light of the facilities provided by the government of Bahrain based on visions and targeted strategies that promote the Kingdom's investment position.

This came during the inauguration of the second Danube Home showroom in Bahrain in Lulu Hidd, under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, in the presence of the senior management of Danube Home.

Danube Home is one of the leading home improvement and furniture retail companies in the GCC. The new Danube Home showroom in Hidd spans 50,000 sq. ft. and features a selection of indoor and outdoor home furnishings both. The brand also offers a design and development service where customers can get fully customized interior and exterior solutions for their homes with the help of a talented team of interior designers and engineers.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, stressed the importance of the initiatives and steps taken by the private sector to develop various commercial and service facilities that meet the needs of citizens, praising the efforts made by the private sector and its continuous initiatives in strengthening the national economy and catering to public needs.

This came on the sidelines of the official inauguration of the new "Laser Car Services" branch in Diyar Al Muharraq, under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, in the presence Laser Chairman Mr. Arif Hejris, Director-General of Traffic, Brigadier Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulwahab Al Khalifa, and a number of invitees, where the Minister affirmed the Ministry's commitment to continue providing support to the private sector and boost local commercial movement by providing it with all facilitations and required services.

His Excellency the Minister toured the branch, and was introduced to its services, most importantly the technical inspection service of the General Directorate of Traffic at the Ministry of Interior, which was recently added to the branches of "Laser", and operates to ensure the safety and durability of vehicles and whether they meet technical requirements.

H.E. Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro affirmed the deep relations that tie Bahrain and India, recalling their historical extension, especially at the commercial level.

This came during a luncheon organized by Bahrain-India Society where the Minister of Industry and Commerce participated as a keynote speaker, in the presence of Indian Ambassador Mr. Piyush Shrivastav, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain India Society Mr. Abdulrahman Juma, and a number of Society members.

During the event, the Minister reviewed a number of topics and issues of common interest, including the initial positive results of the official visit of the Bahraini economic delegation headed by His Excellency to India during March 2023, which included several meetings with senior officials and prominent leaders in the Indian business and private sector, as well as various events that stressed the importance of the great role played by the private sector in diversifying and developing the economy. H.E. Fakhro also highlighted the attractive investment environment in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the privileges and facilities provided by the government to investors inside and outside of Bahrain.​