Manama, May 28 (BNA): Minister of Industry and Commerce Zayed Al-Zayani confirmed the government’s support for Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) as a partner and major contributor in achieving economic trends and developing economic plans of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The minister noted BCCI role in consolidating business reputation and highlighting Bahrain as a suitable investment environment for all commercial, industrial and service projects.
This came during chairing the 22nd Joint Economic Committee between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and BCCI, in the presence of BCCI Chairman Khalid Al-Moayyed and members from both sides.
The meeting reviewed the progress of the Export Development Center project, to be launched by the Industry and Commerce Ministry in collaboration with other stakeholders.
The progress of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME toolkit) project was also discussed, in addition to Business Licensing Integrated System (BLIS), which was inaugurated by Industry and Commerce Minister on 20 May 2015.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce reviewed Ministry’s efforts and its tireless efforts to extend the work level of Tariff Preference Level (TPL) for textiles in the framework of the free trade agreement between Bahrain and USA which will expire in July 31, 2016. The ministry sought with a number of stakeholders in Bahrain and the United States to extend it for another ten years. This subject is being coordinated with all factories operating in the Kingdom of Bahrain in this important sector which represent about 22% of Bahrain’s export to the USA with value export of $200 million per year.
On the other hand, they reviewed points of the National Committee to follow up implementation of National Model for Mainstreaming Women’s Needs in the Government Work Plan and put motivational initiatives for the private sector to adopt supportive policies and methodologies of equal opportunities.
The minister confirmed the importance of Periodic joint meetings between MOIC and BCCI in enhancing investment movement in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
MJ
BNA 1504 GMT 2015/05/28