H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, met with Mr. Li Mingqiang, General Manager Assistant of the Chinese company "CMEC", and several company members, to discuss cooperation in the field of developing industrial zones between the two countries, on the sidelines of his official visit to the People's Republic of China.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce affirmed Bahain’s keenness to strengthen economic and investment relations and exchange experiences between the Kingdom and China, especially in the field of developing the industrial and investment sectors, noting that the People's Republic of China is an important strategic partner in this aspect.

For his part, Mr. Mingqiang, praised the meeting as a step to consolidate relations between the two countries, enhance cooperation in the industrial sector and develop industrial zones, through the exchange of experiences and knowledge and strengthen strategic partnerships between the two countries.

China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) is a giant construction and engineering company headquartered in Beijing. The company also specializes in engineering contracting, renewable energy, power generation, infrastructure development, industrial and economic zones.

H.E. Mr.  Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce, met with Mrs. Chen Pi, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, as part of his participation in the Industry and Investment Forum between the (GCC) and China, organized by the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce affirmed strong ties bounding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the People's Republic of China, especially in investment and economy, and exchanging experiences in the fields of industry and trade, referring in this regard to the Silk Road Economic Belt, which is a great investment opportunity to promote international trade and increase the economic development of the two countries.

A number of topics of common interest were also discussed, and for her part, Mrs. Chen Pi, noted China’s keenness to enhance economic cooperation with Bahrain and support its efforts in achieving sustainable development and enhancing economic stability.

Within the framework of the China-GCC Industry and Investment Forum, Dr. Khaled Fahad Al Alawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Development at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, participated as a keynote speaker in the Investment and Cooperation Forum in Digital Economy, organized by the People's Government of Xiamen Municipality, and the Development and Reform Commission of Fujian Province, at the International Convention Center in Xiamen, China.

Dr. Al-Alawi gave a presentation on Bahrain’s experience and its initiatives aimed at pushing the automation of manufacturing and digital transformation in the industrial sector to achieve an advanced and sustainable industry, reviewing the efforts of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to encourage advanced manufacturing through the "iFactories" initiative, which was launched as part of the Industrial Sector Strategy. (2022-2026)

Moreover, Al Alawi highlighted areas of supportthat leadingChinese institutions can providein thefield oftechnology by upgradingproduction lines andproviding technologies of the Fourth IndustrialRevolution, most prominently robotics, theInternet of Things and artificial intelligence.

The forum aims to stimulate the multiplier effect of data elements and accelerate the development of new productivity with the participation of more than 200 officials and stakeholders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and China, as well as a number of GCC and Chinese companies.

The forum also discussed a number of themes and topics, including seizing digital opportunities, building a multilateral digital economy society, relying on connecting digital infrastructure and expanding a new space for cooperation, in addition to focusing on interconnecting trade and digital investment, creating a new model of cooperation, focusing on connectivity of training digital talents and exploring new areas of cooperation.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, participated in the Industry and Investment Forum between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the People's Republic of China, organized by China’s National Development and Reform Commission, in the presence of GCC Ministers of Commerce and Investment, and a number of Chinese senior officials.

In his speech during the launch of the forum, the Minister stressed that bilateral relations between Bahrain and China are witnessing continuous development in various sectors, noting the mutual commitment to expand cooperation, especially in the commercial and industrial sector.

Fakhro added that the forum bears witness to the determination of the GCC countries to work closely with Chinese investors and promote China as an investment destination for the GCC, within the framework of a system that offers attractive advantages for investment, especially in the industrial sector.

In this context, His Excellency referred to the industries targeted by the Kingdom of Bahrain within the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026), which seeks to achieve a number of goals to advance industrial development with high added value.stating that there are a number of advantages, incentives and enablers that the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain has launched during the past two years to activate FTAs with major economic blocs, and make Bahrain an ideal bridge to access global markets, as it has prominently shown progress in many global economic indicators such as the ease of conducting business, human capital and economic freedom. 

In the same regard, His Excellency noted the Government of Bahrain’s support for the industrial sector, by providing facilities for the implementation of major industrial projects and supporting investment to accelerate the transformation of the industrial sector towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as digitize manufacturing, promote sustainable industrialization, and raise the efficiency of supply chains by achieving GCC industrial integration.

The forum discussed ways to push industrial and investment cooperation to achieve industrial and investment prosperity on both sides. As well as highlighting the Xiamen Ministerial Initiative on deepening industrial and investment cooperation between China and the GCC, launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the first China-GCC Summit in December 2022 on discussing the establishment of the China-GCC Forum for Industry and Investment, and to further enhance practical cooperation between China and the GCC.

H.E. Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro affirmed that the historical relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States are developing steadily towards prosperity and growth, noting the keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields, through mutual visits and agreements.

This came during His Excellency’s participation as a key speaker in 7th Annual U.S. Alumni Reception on May 20, 2024, at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa, under the theme “Lifelong Learning,” organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy, in the presence of H.E. Steven C. Bondy, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Qays H. Zu'bi, President of AmCham Bahrain, and a number of officials.

H.E. the Minister stressed in his speech that enhancingcooperation between varioussectors to supportgraduates in thelabor marketand benefit from their innovations andcreativity has agreat impacton nationaldevelopment paths and enhancingcompetitiveness in the globalmarket. Noting the importanceof attractingand embracingindividuals with creative talents, leadership skills and entrepreneurial thinking.

For his part, H.E. Steven C. Bondy, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, emphasized the value of educational and cultural exchanges: “We are proud to honor the incredible, creative, and energetic alumni of education and exchange programs between our two countries. Study abroad and cultural exchanges are life-changing opportunities that expand minds and bring individuals of different backgrounds together – and Bahrain has a long tradition of building bridges between people and cultures. Our two countries have always been pioneers in education – both in making it accessible, and in putting it to work in the service of the greater good. We are grateful to AmCham Bahrain for their partnership in supporting this tremendously important event, and His Excellency Minister Fakhro for participating.”

Qays H. Zu'bi, President of AmCham Bahrain, highlighted the significant impact of American education in his address: “The American educational system, renowned for its diverse and innovative approaches, plays a crucial role in shaping the global leaders of tomorrow. It offers a unique blend of rigorous academic challenges and expansive extracurricular opportunities, fostering not only intellectual growth but also personal development. These experiences are transformative, equipping students with critical thinking skills, a broad perspective, and an enduring commitment to excellence.”

Al Zu'bi, stressed that this annual ceremony underscores Amcham’s commitment to strengthen the strong ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, and to support the professional development of US graduates in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain expressed gratitude to the sponsors of this event, namely: the American University of Bahrain, West Point Home Bahrain, NHSC, and Gulf Hotel.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, visited a number of factories in Salman Industrial City, in the presence of a number of officials, as part of the Ministry's efforts to follow-up on developments of the industrial sector, and to identify its requirements and future plans.

During the visit, the Minister affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's pride in the growth of investment projects and international factories based in the Kingdom, noting the facilities provided by the government based on visions and strategies aimed at enhancing the Kingdom's investment position as a gateway for business in the region.

 His Excellency elaborated that many projects seek to keep pace with the industrial sector strategy (2022-2026), which aims to increase the contribution of the industrial sector to the GDP, increase the exports of the industrial sector of national origin, and provide promising job opportunities for citizens in the industrial sector, in addition to supporting the sector's transformation towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

His Excellency’s visit included Manama Packaging Industries, Creative Design, and Devji Aurum Gold and Diamond Factory. Where he was briefed on the current situation in the factories, and listened to a detailed explanation of the production processes and services they provide, as he stressed support for all economic activities, especially industrial, commercial and service projects with high added value to the national economy.

HE Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, inaugurated the new Megamart branch in Bahrain Harbour Waterfront, in the presence of a number of officials and stakeholders.

The Minister stressed the importance of adopting policies that enhance the facilitation and competitiveness of commercial projects, praising the expansion of thriving hypermarkets in the Kingdom, and their ability to meet local community needs and requirements.

Moreover, His Excellency congratulated the Megamart group for the new expansion, and praised the contributions of the private sector in pushing the national economy, and its complementary role in upgrading development projects.

H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce received in his office Mr. Jawad Yousuf Al Hawaj, Chairman of the Bahraini-Chinese Friendship Society, and a number of members of the association.

His Excellency affirmed the strength of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the People's Republic of China, noting the importance of enhancing ways to expand cooperation, especially in the industrial, commercial and investment fields.

The minister praised the role of the Bahraini-Chinese Friendship Society in consolidating relations in industry and trade and expanding horizons for cooperation, following the recently signed cooperation program, the "Silk Road Economic Belt".