A multi-billion dinar economic and industrial city is being planned for Bahrain, it was announced.

The go-ahead for the project, which will employ thousands of Bahrainis, has been given and a feasibility study will begin soon, said Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro.

'A reputed international company will begin the feasibility study on the project, which is in line with His Majesty King Hamad's vision,' he said.

Dr Fakhro said a major international building and construction company had decided to make Bahrain its headquarters after having scoured the Middle East and North Africa region for a base.

'They are investing a very large sum of money over the next few years and that will also employ a large number of Bahrainis,' he said, but declined to name the firm.

The minister said 22 new industrial projects had recently been approved.

'There are also 500 applications pending for approval, but we have no land available yet.'

He said steps are being taken, within the next year, to provide land for these projects.-TradeArabia News Service