Crown Prince: EDB, government work has driven diversification efforts

Manama, Nov. 5 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Chairman of the Economic Development Board (EDB), today visited the headquarters of the EDB. His Royal Highness highlighted that the EDB’s collaborative efforts with the government over the past decade have driven the Kingdom’s successful diversification efforts. His Royal Highness noted that these efforts have resulted in the economy’s oil and gas sector now accounting for only 20% of GDP, down from 44% in 2000, and that the contribution of other sectors has risen from 56% in 2000, to 80% last year. His Royal Highness also emphasised the EDB’s instrumental role in attracting and facilitating investment in sectors that deliver job creation and substantial economic returns. His Royal Highness noted that as a result of the EDB’s contributions, a series of substantial investment projects, worth over $32 billion, will be delivered in the Kingdom over the coming years. His Royal Highness? also stressed that creating high quality jobs for the country’s citizens is a fundamental priority that informs every aspect of the Kingdom’s diversification efforts. His Royal Highness concluded by underlining the important role played by the EDB in supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to meet the aspirations of all citizens.