The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism HE Zayed Rashid Al Zayani recently chaired an extraordinary virtual meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Trade Cooperation Committee to discuss the implementation of the decisions of the Supreme Council concerning commerce.

The meeting was attended by GCC Secretary General Dr Nayef bin Falah Al Hajraf and Ministers of Commerce in GCC states, as well as MoICT Acting Undersecretary Eman Ahmed Al Dosari, Assistant Undersecretary for Local and Foreign Trade Shaikh Hamad bin Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development Director Shaikha Abdullah Al Fadhel and Acting Director of Foreign Trade and Industrial Property Rana Ahmed Al Ahmed.

In the meeting, a number of issues were highlighted, such as the endorsement of the amended law for consumer protection in GCC countries, the amended patent law of GCC countries, and the affirmation of the Supreme Council of the importance to continue supporting SMEs, in addition to several topics of mutual interest.​

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MOICT) referred an audit firms to the Public Prosecution after several violations were discovered  including the failure to apply the Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and the non-application of the risk-based approach, and having a dedicated disclosure paragraph related to Anti Money Laundering within the Audit Opinion,  which violates the requirements of order no. (173) of 2017 as amended by the Ministerial Order (108) of 2018 concerning the obligations related to the procedures of the Prohibition of and Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Finance in the business of the persons registered in the commercial register and the audit Registry in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

In this regard, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MOICT) reported their full commitment to applying the legislative decree no. (4) of 2001 concerning the Prohibiting and Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, and all the other Ministerial orders, regulations and instructions issued in accordance with this legislative decree, and that MOICT would spare no effort capturing  all violations and take the necessary legal action with in accordance to the provisions of the law, with the aim of enhancing the clarity, sustainability, and confidence in the business and economic environment in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in which that contributes in attracting investments and enhancing the Kingdom’s reputation and rank in all levels. , and this confirms the Kingdom of Bahrain's intention and commitment to have a solid regulatory framework related to Anti Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, and the application of all legal requirements for violations.

Starting from today (25th of July, 2020), The new requirements on Disposable Plastic Table Covers will be enforced as part of the second phase of the Ministerial Order no. 11 for year 2019 regarding the technical requirements of degradable plastic products as stated by “Testing and Metrology Directorate” at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. The new plastic products will be coming with new specifications that makes the plastic products to degrade faster than before to counter plastic pollution in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Shaikh Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa stated that: this program was accomplished in cooperation between the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism represented by the Testing and Metrology Directorate and the Supreme Council for Environment represented by the Environmental Assessment and Control Directorate where the first phase of this program began on the 25th of July last year and covering the essential plastic products.
Shaikh Hamad Bin Salman Al Khalifa also confirmed that, the vast majority of local plastic manufacturing firms in Bahrain are capable of manufacturing degradable plastic table covers as mandated by the Ministerial Order no. 11 for year 2019, where the latest survey conducted by the Testing & Metrology Directorate in June 2020 indicates that: most of the local manufacturers are ready for the 2nd phase requirements, as they capable of applying the requirements on table cover products by 25 July 2020.
As scientifically proven, the dangerousness of plastics lies in its insoluble substance, in addition to its wide usage as low-priced products, which leads to the accumulation of wastes in landfills and consume large areas of them. If plastic waste reaches the marine environment, the risk lies in the consumption of the waste by living organisms as nutrition, which constitutes a danger to these creatures and humans, respectively.
It is worth noting that, the first stage of the plastic regulation was enforced since July 2019, and covering the banning of essential not degradable plastic products like grocery bags, garbage bags and laundry bags.  The Import consignments statistics show that more than 70,000 plastic products were rejected by the Ministry, during the period from July 25, 2019 to June 30, 2020.
The Ministry emphasizes on the importance of the efforts made by manufacturers and importers of plastic products to change the specifications of plastic products covered by the resolution to be oxo-biodegradable and asked the concerned companies to approach the Supreme Council for Environment instantly to license their products in order to avoid any rejection of their consignments when entering the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Testing and Metrology Directorate the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism  is ready to receive inquiries from local manufacturers and importers as well as consumers via phone: 17574909, fax: 17570730, e-mail bsmd@www.moic.gov.bh

The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MOICT), HE Zayed R. Al Zayani, officially inaugurated the world’s largest underwater theme park, Dive Bahrain, as announced by HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Environment.
The opening follows the completion of the initial phase of the project, comprising of submerging a 70-meter long Boeing 747, 20-22 meters below the water North of Bahrain to become the first attraction of the 100,000 m2 theme park area, was completed. Also, after the inspection by a group of diving professionals from registered dive centers, who were able to ensure all safety requirements are fully met to guarantee a safe diving experience and environment necessary for the public.
HE the Minister highlighted that the Dive Bahrain project is expected to bring significant economic returns, in line with the strategy of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority to further develop and make use of the Kingdom’s seas, beaches and surrounding islands. HE the Minister added that the project was done in consultation with specialized diving centres to ensure the highest standards of safety for public use.
The official ceremony included a dive by HE the Minister, accompanied by Dr. Mohamed Mubarak Bin Daina, Chief Executive of the Supreme Council for Environment, and a number of professional divers.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mohammed Mubarak Bin Dinah noted that following the directives of HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the park is now open for the enjoyment of enthusiasts and environmentalists. Dr. Bin Daina also highlighted that the eco-friendly theme park was constructed based on the partnership between the Supreme Council for Environment, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, and the private sector.
Dr. Bin Daina went on to explain that the diving park will become a global tourist attraction by which the Kingdom will gain a stellar position in the field of

ecotourism and marine wildlife preservation, adhering to strict environmental standards and promoting research.
Dr. Bin Daina expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, and the concerned authorities and institutions that contributed to the success of this distinctive project.
Dr. Bin Daina added that the theme park’s artificial structures constitute a safe environment in which coral reef and a wide range of marine life can thrive, making Dive Bahrain a fantastic conservation area ideal for research, eco-tourism and the raising of environmental awareness.
HE the Minister announced that the park will be open for diving and water sports enthusiasts starting from Saturday. The Ministry added that those wishing to enjoy this fantastic experience should book by choosing one of the registered dive centres listed on the park’s website: www.divebahrain.com
HE the Minister noted that the listed centers on the website are the only registered centers to organize trips to the park.
The theme park will include a number of attractions, including additional structures such as a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, artificial coral reefs, and other sculptures that will provide a safe haven for coral reef growth and marine life; and guarantee the enjoyment for tourist and researches.

The official opening of the world’s largest underwater theme park, Dive Bahrain, will take place on 06 September 2019, following the completion of the initial phase of the project, comprising of submerging a 70-meter long Boeing 747, 20-22 meters below the water North of Bahrain, to become the first attraction of the 100,000 m2 theme park area.

Prior to the official opening, the dive park was also inspected by a group of diving professionals from registered dive centers, who were able to ensure all safety requirements are fully met to guarantee a safe diving experience and environment necessary for the public.  

During the official opening ceremony, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MOICT), *HE Zayed R. Al Zayani*, *the Chief Executive of the Supreme Council for Environment, HE Dr Mohammed Mubarak Bin Daina* along with a number of professional divers *will carry out an inaugural dive in the park* to experience the magnificent underwater aircraft structure. 

The MOICT announced that the dive park will be open to the public on Saturday, 07 September 2019, and welcomes those who wish to book their underwater dive experience with any of the registered dive centers listed on the website www.divebahrain.com​. 

The MOICT added that the listed centers on the website are the only registered centers, and have all participated in an orientation dive and are familiarized with key rules and regulations in preparation to organize trips to the park and offer a safe and enjoyable experience to the public. 

In its next phase, the dive park will include several structures in addition to the aircraft, such as a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, which is being overseen and sponsored by Diyar Al Muharraq, an artificial coral reef and other sculptures that will be fabricated and submerged to provide a safe haven for coral reef growth and a habitat for sustainable marine life.

The eco-friendly park will also provide researchers with rich information and data on marine ecology and biology, and will enhance environmental awareness on the importance of preserving marine life. 

A number of professional divers from Bahrain’s registered dive centers have been invited by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MOICT) to an orientation and inspection dive at the world’s largest underwater theme park, Dive Bahrain, on 31 August 2019.

The test dive took place following the completion of the initial phase of the project, comprising of submerging a 70-meter long Boeing 747, 20-22 meters below the water North of Bahrain last June, to become the first attraction in the 100,000 m2 underwater theme park. 

The group of professional divers from registered dive centers inspected the theme park’s aircraft, ensuring that all safety requirements are met ahead of the park’s grand opening to the public. The divers also submitted their recommendations, which will be incorporated as final touches are being made to this phase of the underwater theme park.

The MOICT highlighted that professional divers and water sports enthusiasts will be welcome to attend the grand opening soon.

The MOICT reiterated that diving and marine enthusiasts will be able to book their underwater dive experience through any of the Kingdom’ registered dive centers listed on www.divebahrain.com.  

The listed centers have participated in an orientation dive to become familiarized with key rules and regulations in preparation for them to organize trips to the park and offer a safe and enjoyable experience.

MOICT noted that, in its next phase, the dive park will include several structures in addition to the aircraft, such as a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, artificial coral reefs and other sculptures that will be fabricated and submerged to provide a safe haven for coral reef growth and a habitat for sustainable marine life.

The eco-friendly park will also provide researchers with rich information and data on marine ecology and biology, and will enhance environmental awareness on the importance of preserving marine life.

Under patronage of HE Zayed R. Al Zayani​​ Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism, Future Society for Youth organize the second edition of “MicroShabab” Forum at Crowne Plaza Bahrain, which will focus on “opportunities and challenges of electronic applications and stores”, in a strategic partnership with Tamkeen Labor Fund, with the participation of public and private institutions and SME entrepreneurs.

The two-day event is paralleled to the 2018 Youth Summit organized by the National Programme for the development of Youth and Sports Sector – Estijabah. Under supervision of HM the King’s Representative for Charity Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and his directives in investing Bahrain’s youth and placing them at the core of future development initiatives within the Kingdom’s comprehensive development programme.

The event aims to encourage young people to engage in the business world, motivates their energies, and inspires them for creativity and innovation as part of the National Assembly's responsibility to contribute to the realization of the vision of the Kingdom of Bahrain 2030.

The discussions of the second edition of the Forum will focus on exploring the prospects, opportunities and challenges of electronic applications and stores, their impact on the various aspects of work and life, especially the issue of e-commerce, and the review of the main obstacles to its growth and spread among young entrepreneurs, highlighting the latest emerging trends and deepening in the future of payments as the Middle East is considered one of the fastest growing e-commerce markets in the world, with sales expected to expand to 22.3 billion dollars in 2020.

The forum will also discuss the role of the government in supporting and encouraging applications and e-shops, e-payment solutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain and how to use them for small projects, financing and incubating ideas and applications in this field. As well as the success stories of pilot projects by its pioneers, as well as many workshops offered by clubs and partner institutions.

The Organizing Committee of the Forum announced the opening of registration through: www.microshabab.com

The Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism HE Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani today provided an update on the continued strength of the Bahraini economy, noting a number of positive economic indicators during the first quarter of 2019 and highlighting Bahrain’s strong commercial fundamentals.
 
In this regard, HE the Minister announced that the volume of exports increased by 46.7% during Q1 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, while imports increased by 21.9%. The Kingdom’s trade deficit reduced by 41.1% year on year.
 
HE the Minister went on to note that Bahrain successfully hosted  a variety of activities and events attracting an increasing number of visitors, which significantly expanded economic activity in the tourism sector, increasing the sector’s contribution to the Kingdom’s overall GDP.
 
HE the Minister added that Bahrain’s All Share Index increased by 5.7% during the first quarter of 2019, and with that, the market capitalization of the Bahrain Bourse increased by 7.2% compared to the year before, delivering strong returns for investors in the Kingdom’s robust and diverse stock market.
 
HE the Minister stated that, ‘The Kingdom’s encouraging Q1 2019 economic indicators further demonstrate the strength of Bahrain’s economy, not only in the trade, tourism and industrial sectors but across all sectors’