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Officials at the launch

Online system for licences launched in Bahrain

MANAMA, May 21, 2015

A new online system that aims to reduce the time required in obtaining commercial registrations and business-associated licences in Bahrain has been launched by Industry and Commerce Minister Zayed Al Zayani.

The new system (www.business.gov.bh), available on bahrain.bh and the official website of the ministry (www.moic.gov.bh), was developed in co-operation with the eGovernment Authority (eGA) and other relevant governmental entities, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Al Zayani said the launch of Business Licensing Integrated System (BLIS) was a major leap as it will eliminate the need for paperwork; converting the commercial licensing process into a paper-less transaction while integrating the process of all relevant government organisations under one system.

“BLIS also directly impacts overall budgetary expenditure reducing the expenses required for paper, transportation and estimated manpower to process the applications,” the minister added.

He also praised the efforts of all relevant organisations, including eGA and project members from various ministries and entities, which are related to the issue of commercial licences in creating a high efficiency sophisticated electronic system that meets the demands of citizens and the business community.

The launch was also attended by eGA vice-chief executive Dr Zakareya Al Khaja, under-Secretary for commerce affairs Nader Almoayyed, assistant under-secretary for domestic trade Hameed Rahma and project officials.

Using BLIS would enable businessmen to minimise visits to the investors' centre or other government offices.

The system will automatically communicate with applicants via emails or SMS text messaging to inform them of the licence issuance stages and provide them with all necessary information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The system will also include all the conditions, procedures, laws and regulations related to acquiring business licences for more than 1,800 business activities; creating an integrated database that contains all the information related to commercial registration and licensing.

This includes a summary of the business environment in the kingdom, trade name reservation process, different legal forms of entities and registration requirements, as well as an overview of corporate governance.

BLIS will also provide services related to business activities such as company name, change of address, addition or deletion of a partner, along with the ability to amend authorised signatories.

The pilot phase of the integrated system was launched last year to evaluate the service as per the requirements of all parties, including government entities and investors.

With the launch of the new system, the old traditional process is eliminated and during this phase, the ministry will streamline the transfer of the current database to the new system with newly added features.

The team behind the project has liaised with more than 20 government entities to compile all necessary information, rules and regulations required for obtaining commercial licences of around 1,800 business activities including activities listed under the Industry and Commerce Ministry.

Such entities include the Interior, Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs, Health, Education, Transportation and Telecommunications, Justice and Islamic Affairs, Social Development and Labour Ministries, Supreme Council for the Environment, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the General Organisation for Youth and Sports, National Oil and Gas Authority, Central Bank of Bahrain, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Electricity and Water Authority, Information Affairs Authority, National Health Regulatory Authority as well as Bahrain's Committee for Organising Engineering Professional Practice.

The collaboration between the authority and the ministry is in line with the National eGovernment Strategy 2016 which aims to increase efficiency, participation and engagement, partnerships as well as promotion of greater innovation and entrepreneurship.

A training workshop was also held for ministry employees together with the business community during the pilot phase. It documented the views and comments of participants with an aim of enhancing the service at launch. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Bahrain | Online | Registration | system | launch | commercial |

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