ID :
358878
Tue, 03/03/2015 - 09:14
Auther :

Information Minister: Mega development projects in pipeline

Manama, March 2 (BNA)-- Bahrainis will soon benefit from a new line-up of projects worth over USD 22 billion. Information Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi unveiled the plan at the post-cabinet press conference today, stressing that boosting investment in Bahrain is an ongoing process and a priority for the next phase. The mega projects will include real estate, industrial, services, tourism and infrastructure development. The minister explained, underlining the importance of partnership with the private sector and expanding the capacity of some industrial institutions. He stressed that the private sector has to be the real catalyst of growth in Bahrain, pointing out the key role played by the private sector in implementing many government projects. He said inaugurating the five-star Four Seasons Hotel yesterday under the auspices of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa was an index of the ongoing investment process and implementation of vital projects. The aim, he explained, is to promote the economic development momentum and provide qualitative jobs for Bahraini citizens. The Information Affairs Minister underscored the importance of the exhibition and convention industry in supporting mainly the hospitality and services sectors as well as the retail trade. He said the different events hosted by Bahrain have a positive impact on the national economy, pointing out a plan to further promote Bahrain's status as a major hub for international conferences and exhibitions. Concerning circulating news on an ongoing investigation with an Information Affairs Authority (IAA) Advisor, the minister explained that in case of breach of law, administrative organisational procedures are undertaken, including setting up probe committees. He added that the issue is being looked into without giving any further details. The minister noted that since taking up his post, nearly 14 internal probe committees have been formed at the Information Affairs Ministry according to government procedures to investigate administrative irregularities. He urged to tackle such issues objectively and professionally, affirming that forming a probe panel does not mean conviction. Regarding economic expansion with the rest of the world, the minster pointed out that 102 countries have so far benefited from a scheme to facilitate issuance of visa entry to Bahrain for many nationalities. He added more information about the subject and the visa services is available on bahrain.bh and evisa.gov.bh websites. Concerning the issue of spoiled meat shipments to Bahrain, the minister revealed that the cabinet discussed today a report by the National Financial and Administrative Audit Court which was forwarded to the Financial Committee to review its results. He affirmed that all procedures taken by the competent government bodies are to ensure all imported food stuff is safe for consumption. Regarding the state's budget for 2015 and 2016, the minister reaffirmed that the issue is still under study by the government which will submit a draft law to the legislative authority soon. The Information Affairs Minister underlined His Royal Highness the Premier's directives to follow the open-door policy and activate field visits to cater for the needs of citizens. Concerning fishing licences, the minster stressed that work is in full swing to provide the fishermen with the needed licences and facilities as part of the government's efforts to protect their income source.

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