Co-operation between Bahrain and China in the construction sector was discussed at a key meeting.

Minster of State for Foreign Affairs and Tamkeen chairman Dr Nazar Al Baharna met a Chinese business delegation and discussed various issues of mutual interest.

Development of programmes that can reduce the dependency of construction companies on unskilled labour by introducing machinery and technological solutions was also highlighted.

The officials also discussed ways to enhance the efficiency of Bahraini construction companies.

The Chinese delegation included China Building Materials Academy (CBMA) vice-president and Unido International Centre for Materials Technology Promotion (Unido-ICM) director Sui Tongbo, UNIDO-ICM project manager Li Juan, UNIDO Centre for South-South Industrial Co-operation (China) director Tan Weiwen, national programme assistant Zhang Jianping and a number of officials from the World Eminent Chinese Business Association.

'We are pleased at the prospect of serving and supporting business ventures and investments with Chinese businessmen, as the construction sector is one of the key sectors in Bahrain, and we look forward to strengthening and supporting it,' Dr Al Baharna said.

The two sides also discussed attracting commercially viable businesses in China through joint ventures with Bahrainis in value-added jobs and good compensation packages for employees.

The Graduate Employment Programme was also highlighted.-TradeArabia News Service