Bahrain plans special zones to bolster growth
Manama, February 9, 2011
Bahrain's industry is set to expand further with plans to create more special zones amid growing demand, the Prime Minister has said.
Opening Gulf Industry Fair 2011 (GIF 2011) at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said the government was studying schemes to set up more zones to meet future needs and promote more developed industries.
He underscored the importance of promoting the presence of Bahraini industries in the regional and international arenas and called on the private sector to optimise industrial production by seizing promotional opportunities and government aid packages, stressing the need to bolster joint GCC industrial ventures.
'GCC industrial co-operation is still in need of wider horizons and joint ventures to prosper and flourish,' he said, describing such co-operation to confront global economic challenges.
'The global downturn has, despite its repercussions, revealed the crucial role of the industrial sector in protecting the economy.
'Bahrain has realised the importance of industry as a driving force for comprehensive development.
HRH the Premier cited efforts to promote this vital sector and create a favourable and investment-friendly environment.
He outlined schemes to promote the quality of Bahrain-made industrial products, stressing the importance of GIF 2011, it being one of the key events supported by the government to serve as an efficient gateway promoting GCC industrial co-operation.
HRH the Premier lauded the efficient organisation and the wide GCC and global representation, urging national companies to participate in such events to keep abreast of global trends.
'Exhibitions, such as GIF 2011, represent a viable platform to promote their industrial products,' he said, stressing the government's unflinching support to the private sector and initiatives to hold specialised events, thus boosting exhibition tourism.
He urged more GCC efforts to promote industries, stressing the importance of focusing on value-adding sectors to energise economies of member countries.
'The role of the private sector is crucial in optimising joint production and spearheading new co-operation mechanisms,' he said, pointing out the need to diversify revenues.-TradeArabia News Service