​Under the Patronage of HE Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Undersecretary of Industry Affairs Mr. Osama Mohammed Alorrayedh today performed the grand opening of DEVJI & Company’s new gold factory and DEVJI Aurum’s gold and diamond jewellery factory located in the Bahrain International Investment Park  (BIIP) in Salman Industrial City Bahrain. The opening took place in the presence of HE Mr. Alok Kumar Sinha (Indian Ambassador to Kingdom of Bahrain). 

On this occasion, Undersecretary of Industry Affairs said, “I am delighted when looking for a new production location in the GCC region Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) stood out as your preferred location, based on the quality infrastructure and the competitive advantages Bahrain offers, along with our business friendly environment.”

H.E. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism said: “The decision to locate this new facility in the Bahrain International Investment Park is a testament to the quality of the location and the competitive advantages which Bahrain has to offer to international companies. This investment greatly strengthens Bahrain's position as a global destination for manufacturing excellence. We wish DEVJI Group every success and we will continue to provide every support possible as they grow their business in Bahrain.’’

H.E. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), said: “We’re delighted to welcome Devji & Company’s new gold factory and Devji Aurum’s diamond & jewellery factory to Bahrain. This investment is yet another example of the strength of Bahrain’s long-established and diverse manufacturing sector and demonstrates how Bahrain’s status as one of the region’s manufacturing centres helps create investment opportunities. Manufacturers from around the world have established operations in Bahrain to take advantage of the Kingdom’s liberal business environment, excellent regional transport links, low operating costs and skilled local workforce.”

The event was also graced by the presence of H.E. Alok Kumar Sinha, The Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, who commented, “This investment by DEVJI Group demonstrates once again the excellent business ties that exist between the two countries and the capabilities that can be brought to bear when the opportunity presents. We look forward to seeing more such investments in the industrial sector combining stakeholders from both of our countries’’

Mr Bhaskar Devji quoted that ‘We are delighted to mark this significant milestone by opening our two new state-of-the-art jewellery production facilities on Bahrain International Investment Park. The Devji name carries with it certain expectations, built by the service and quality delivered over the years. We have been recognized for our craftsmanship and innovation, hard work, dedication, entrepreneurship and the vision of the founder is reflected in every aspect of the business.'

The company has been established since 1950 to manufacture and market Bahraini jewellery to customers across the GCC sold via their network of wholesale offices and Retail stores. Building on a strong-rooted heritage in gold jewellery the legacy of Late Founder Shri Devjibhai Ramjibhai Sagar, and nine generations of goldsmiths before him. The cornerstones of Craftsmanship, Innovation, Integrity and Empathy drive the passion for the craft and the surety that his innate vision brings each piece to life.

The second generation of Devji Family – Mr Bhaskar Devji, Mr. Prakash Devji, and Mr. Mahesh Devji learned the skills and principles from their father and expanded the business across the GCC & India with more than 21 retail and wholesale locations. The third generations in the family Mr Kapil Prakash, Mr. Arjun Bhaskar, Mr. Dev Mahesh & Mr. Abhishek Prakash are actively taking part in the business operations and have made strong contributions to the current expansion of the group.  

The Devji Group has invested approximately BD 8 million including infrastructure built over 6,000 sq metres of industrial space in the BIIP and manufactures handcrafted, eye-catching designer bridal, fashion diamond and gold Jewellery. The two units currently employs 130+ highly skilled artisans. Further investments are planned to enhance the superiority of the product qualities to compete with global competition targeting to employ additional 100+ staff in BIIP. The group has further expansion plans in the ​middle-eastern region and is all set to make a global footprint by entering new markets in the west and far-east. The group also has plans to participate in prestigious international jewellery exhibitions such as Couture and JCK in Las Vegas, Baselworld Switzerland, VICENZAORO Italy, HongKong Jewellery & Gem Fair and many other international jewellery exhibitions to showcase best quality jewellery that is “Made in Bahrain”.

A range of VIPs and senior executives attended the event including shareholders, management, MOICT, EDB, Tamkeen, Municipality, Customs, along with Devji and Company customers, suppliers, staff and representatives from the Indian, banking and legal communities.

The minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani received in his office the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alayam Newspaper Mr. Najeeb Al Hamer, Editor in Chief Mr. Isa Alshayji and Alayam Board Member and Editor-in-Chief of online newspaper Mr. Rashid Al Hamer.

During the meeting, the Minister expressed Government's support and support to all local media institutions aimed at enhancing the good reputation of the Kingdom of Bahrain and highlighting the achievements of the Kingdom regionally and globally, praising the great role played by Alayam to achieve Kingdom’s vision especially in the economic field.

The minister also reviewed the economic developments and growth witnessed by the economic sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the volume of investments that were attracted by the region and the world. 

As part of his participation in the World Investment Forum in Geneva, the minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani met Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Mr. Frances Gurry.

During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues and topics of common interest and shared experiences in the fields of patents and trademarks, praising the efforts of the WIPO Organization in providing the required technologies in the field of intellectual property.

On the sideline of World Investment Forum, which is held in Geneva, the Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani participates in the Second Global Leaders Investment Summit under theme of “Investment in a new era of industrialization”. 

The summit covered a number of important topics in terms of industrial investment including the challenges facing this type of investment and the impact of new industrialization which is based on digitalization.

The Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani participated in the First Global Leaders Investment Summit under theme of “Investment in a new era of globalization”. This came on the sideline of World Investment Forum in Geneva.

During the summit, they discussed the impact of globalization on the global economies and the challenges facing the countries of the world, especially in the trade and investment area.

On the sideline of the World Investment Forum, the minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani met WTO Director General Mr. Roberto Azevêdo, in presence of Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Geneva Dr. Yousif Bucheeri and Commercial Attaché- Geneva Mr. Khalid Alamer. 

During the meeting, they discussed the economic developments, stressing government’s keenness to develop economic reality to meet the global requirements. He also affirmed Kingdom’s commitment to the multilateral trading system and support SME sector. 

As part of his participation in the World Investment Forum in Geneva, the minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani met ICT Executive Director Ms. Arancha Gonzalez. 

During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues of common interest and shared experiences and expertise in trade development field and provide the necessary facilities for the relevant institutions. He also reviewed the initiative of the Kingdom of Bahrain represented by SME Development Board to establish a center to develop national exports (Bahrain export) that will be start operations nest month to provide the necessary services in order to support industrial enterprises to promote their products in the global markets.

Undersecretary of Commerce Affairs Mr. Nader Khalil Almoayyed opened “Standad Right Direction Exhibition” at Seef Mall, in conjunction with the World Standardization Day, which falls on 14 October each year. 

Undersecretary stated that this exhibition which organized by the Directorate of Standards and Metrology represents the specification in various fields include industrial and commercial. A number of parties participated in the exhibition and a variety of activities and competitions are provided. 

The exhibition will include a corner that show the process of verifying conformity of the products to standards through testing the product. There will be a section for children that includes entertainment and awareness programs on how to identify toys and electrical products badges.

Undersecretary of Commerce Affairs honored the exhibitors and praised their efforts and response to this important event, which enhances the effective partnership between the private sector and the ministry in spreading awareness of standardization. 

The exhibition will run until October 13, 2018 from 10 am to 10 pm.