The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MOICT), HE Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, today affirmed that MOICT’s 'Companies Control' and 'Consumer Protection' directorates have intensified their VAT inspection efforts following its induction on January 1st.

In this regard, HE the Minister highlighted the mechanisms that MOICT has implemented to ensure the correct application of the VAT, preventing businesses from charging VAT on goods and services that are not subject to VAT.

HE went on noting that Bahrain's VAT Law and its Executive Regulations clearly outline the penalties for non-complaince, which include hefty fines, administrative closure and referring cases to the Public Prosecution.

HE concluded by emphasizing that the ministry's inspection efforts will include closely monitoring the movement of goods and services across the Kingdom, reminding investors to comply with the Kingdom's laws and regulations.

Consumers may report violations by calling 80008001.

The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani participated in the 3rd Anniversary of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bahrain (FCCIB), in presence of the President of MEDEF International Mr. Frédéric SANCHEZ and a large number of chamber members, businessmen and investors.

On this occasion, the minister delivered a speech highlighting the latest development in Bahrain and most important the parliamentary and municipal elections two weeks ago with huge voter turnout of 67% representing that largest voting pool in the history of Bahrain. HM King Hamad bin Isa Alkhalifa inaugurated the parliamentary session and we look forward to positive and fruitful cooperation with the new members. earlier this year BCCI had its elections which also registered a record voter attendance resulting in more inclusive and representative board of directors which we at the Ministry today enjoy very strong and progressive working relations.

He added that “the Government of the Kingdom Bahrain reinforced its reform initiatives and projects under the Economic Vision 2030 to make Bahrain the preferred place for business in the region. This was culminated by an increase from $733 million in 2017 to $810 million for the first eight months of 2018. And most recently the retention of Bahrain’s top five globally and first in Arab World, in the Places to live and work as per HSBC annual survey.”

He confirmed that “the economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain continuous its steady growth registering a respectful 4.1% growth rate in our GDP powered mainly by our early diversification policies as well as the empowerment of the private sector which have genuinely contributed to this respectful growth.”

The Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani received newly appointment Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain residence in Riyadh Mr. Radwan Jadut.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between Bahrain and Australian and ways to enhance cooperation in the field of industry, commerce and investment. As well as discuss issues of common concerns.  The minister wishes the new ambassador success in his diplomatic mission.

The meeting attended by Undersecretary of Commerce Affairs Mr. Nader Al Moayyed, Assistant Undersecretary of Foreign Trade Ms. Eman Al Doseri.

​The Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Tourism announces to all owners of commercial companies and individual institutions registered with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism that the commercial activities fees will be applied from December 1, 2018. The new fees will be BD100 for up to three activities, while additional business activities will be charged BD100 each. 

It should be noted that the ministry will not charge any activities fees imposed by other government agencies. 

Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism in cooperation with Thinksmart and supported by Tamkeen has announced to register in the second patch of the upcoming training course under the initiative of the Bahrain eCommerce Academy which is “Mastering eComm​erce Masterclass” that will be held on 3rd -6th December 2018, after the success of the first batch, which was launched in early November.

The Training course will highlight the basic skills of eCommerce, to understand the concepts needed to manage eBusiness, and to focus on the benefits of eCommerce applications for businesses.

Accordingly, we are inviting the startups, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs and those interested to develop their business online to register in the course through the link: www.thinksmart.bh or by contact number: 17746746.

The Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani received the president of CIBJO Dr. Gaetano Cavallieri and his accompanying delegation, who are currently visiting the Kingdom of Bahrain in preparation the annual CIBJO Congress in 2019. 

During the meeting, the minister affirmed that such international conferences are part of Bahrain vision to revive and enhance Bahrain’s position as global center for nature pearls, leading business destination as well as attracting more international investments. 

A significant decision has been taken on Friday 16 November 2018, where scientists from around the world met at the 26th General Conference on Weights and Measures in Versailles, France, and voted to change the definition of a kilogram, tying it to a universal constant in nature. 

Standards and Metrology Director Mona Alalawi in Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, said that the unit of kilogram is one of the basic units in the international system of units, and is defined for more than 120 years as the mass and the international prototype kilogram made of a platinum/iridium alloy, preserved at the headquarters International Bureau of weights and measures located in France. The new definition of kilogram will go into effect on May 20, 2019 along with other three unit of measures: ampere, mole and kelvin. 

She added that in the everyday life, the redefinition is expected to have no immediate consequence, but change aims to have greater accuracy for scientific advancement.

The Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani confirmed Ministry’s keenness to provide better services and enhance an effective communication with the beneficiaries of these services from inside and outside the country, in implementation of the directives of the leadership and the government.

This came during meeting with “Tawasul” working team, praising their outstanding role in responding to the cases received through Tawasul system.  The minister granted appreciation certificates to the team, stressing the need to maintain excellence status of the ministry through more giving and perseverance.

It should be noted that the Ministry joined “Tawasul” system in August 2014.

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