(Manama) – His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has underscored the government’s unwavering keenness on boosting Bahrain’s national industries through encouraging them and providing them with the required environment and facilities that ensure their growth, progress and marketing.
HRH Premier also stressed the government’s support to all initiatives aimed at consolidating industrial complementarity among countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), given its effective role in enhancing joint GCC action.
GCC countries have all the potentials that enable them to develop their industries and products and market them regionally and internationally, highlighting the importance of the exhibitions organised by the private sector in promoting national products and GCC industries.
He affirmed that the government supports such exhibitions and events, held by the private sector, because their goals are compatible with its policies to boost the industrial sector locally and at the GCC level to increase its contributions to the commercial and economic fields, and strengthen its role in attracting local and foreign investments.
HRH the Prime Minister made the statements while patronising, at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC), the opening of the Gulf Industry Fair (GIF 2017). The three-day event, organised by Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE), will conclude on Thursday.
On arrival, the Premier cut the ribbons and declared the exhibition open. He then toured the fair, and was informed about the showcased products and modern industrial innovations in the fields of aluminum, industrial equipment, oil and gas, petrochemicals, metals, logistics, industrial cities and metrology works.
HRH the Prime Minister affirmed that GCC countries boast a robust and developed industrial base, including many strategic and manufacturing industries, noting that amid the economic challenges currently witnessed by the region, investment in the industrial sector has become a strategic option to ensure the sustainability of the development process in GCC countries and bring about more gains for their peoples.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the steps taken to enhance economic complementarity among GCC countries has paved the way for stimulating GCC investments in mega industrial projects, expressing hope that the completion of the requirements of the Gulf Union would push economic progress across member states forward.
HRH Premier noted that the government is focusing its attention on investment in the industrial sector, as part of its efforts to diversify the sources of income, and given the sector’s great role in spurring the national economy and generating jobs for Bahraini job-seekers.
HRH the Prime Minister asserted that Bahrain had been keen on putting in place advanced economic legislation and laws, and taken many steps to ensure a suitable environment for all kinds of investments, which, he said, has encouraged investors to choose Bahrain as their first option for starting their projects.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of Gulf Industry Fair, being an annual occasion on which mega specialised companies meet to promote their products, and take advantage of the kingdom’s strategic location and status as an investment hub in the region.
The Prime Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to the fair’s organisers and participants, wishing them every success.
Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani extended sincere thanks and appreciation to HRH Premier for patronising the opening of GIF 2017 in which mega regional industrial companies are taking part, noting that the Premier’s patronage reflects the interest of the leadership and the government in attracting modern technology and various international investments.
He pointed out that the industrial field in the kingdom is flourishing thanks to the directives of the leadership and the government to focus on industries, being a promising sector whose contributions to Bahrain’s GDP is increasing progressively, highlighting the kingdom’s strategies and visions, including the Economic Vision for Bahrain 2030.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) Anwar Abdulrahman extended thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for patronising the fair, adding that the Premier’s gesture embodies his keenness on supporting the industrial sector, given its importance as a key tributary to the national economy.
He asserted that the Prime Minister’s constant desire to inaugurate the fair personally is a badge of honour for HEC and is a catalyst for it to continue hosting various specialised regional and international exhibitions.
HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman extended deepest thanks, appreciation and gratitude to HRH Premier for his constant support to the fair which, he said, has promoted it as the best platform for companies aiming to operate in the emerging industrial markets in the GCC region.
