Women were hailed for contributing, alongside men, to Bahrain's progress and prosperity.

"We have every right to feel proud of women's landmark achievements," the Premier said, as he received citizens, media and intellectual figures, journalists and businessmen at Gudaibiya Palace reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said that Bahraini women proved their mettle, assuming national and international positions competently.

He hailed the high participation of women candidates who will contest in the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) elections.

He stressed the importance of the forthcoming polls, commending women's role in bolstering Bahrain's political, economic and social development and progress.

He hailed the outgoing BCCI board, chaired by Dr Essam Fakhro for its efforts to revitalise the national economy, commending the chamber for embracing all the business community.

"Beit Al Tejjar will always be a patriotic milestone and an indispensable partner in Bahrain's development achievements," he said.

He credited the new generation of businessmen and traders for following in the steps of their fathers and forefathers, who toiled over years and laid the first foundations, turning Bahrain into an attractive business hub and a key destination on the global map.

The stressed the need to bolster the partnership bonding the public and private sectors, which would only benefit Bahrain and its people.

HRH the Prime Minister pledged to continue supporting the chamber and trading community, vowing to remove obstacles hampering business. - TradeArabia News Service