Information Minister: Government Forum impetus for development

Manama, Sep. 18 (BNA): Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Romaihi described the Government Forum as a good initiative that reflects the government's unrelenting development efforts. Speaking at a press conference today, he stressed the importance of the first-of-its-kind event in bringing together executive officials from different government bodies. He described the forum as an additional impetus to further boost performance and productivity as well as promote cooperation and efficacy in the public sector. Al Romaihi said the forum is a landmark and unique event as well as an indispensable, effective and unprecedented initiative held as part of the government's activities and programmes to serve the interest of the nation and citizens and boost their welfare. He added that the forum would further spur growth in Bahrain in this phase of national work which requires everyone to play a part in addressing challenges. He pointed out that holding the forum for the first time in Bahrain's modern history, under the auspices of His Royal Highness the Premier and in the presence of HRH the Crown Prince embodies Bahrain's relentless efforts to bring about a quantum leap in administrative work in various governmental institutions. The Information Minister praised concerted efforts in dealing with current challenges, stressing that the forum, which witnessed a massive turnout, derives its importance from being one of the tributaries to the constant governmental development approach adopted by Bahrain under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He noted that the forum is the focus of many political, economic, organizational and legal parties from Bahrain and beyond, bringing together senior executive officials from governmental institutions to discuss visions on exchanging and localizing expertise as well as fostering cooperation to ensure sustainable development as part of Bahrain's comprehensive modernization and reform project. Al Romaihi affirmed that direct meetings between officials during the forum in the next few days will constitute an optimal means to handle obstacles to administrative and organizational work in governmental institutions with regards mainly to office infrastructure development, technological coordination, executive workflow, the extent of success in achieving citizen-oriented development goals, implementation of the directives of the kingdom's leadership to provide a more secure, stable and organized work environment capable of luring more capital inflows and ensuring the implementation of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. The Information Minister lauded HRH the Crown Prince's speech in the opening ceremony of the forum when he underscored Bahrain's continuous capability to bring about achievements despite major challenges including mainly a drop in oil prices, the global financial crisis and the regional situation. He emphasized that HRH the Crown Prince's words concerning the love of challenge, the infatuation with accomplishment and willpower to achieve the best for the nation and its citizens will serve as a beacon of light for the public administration officials to adopt a sound and comprehensive administrative approach capable of yielding positive economic and social dividends. Al Romaihi concluded by emphasizing the significance of the forum in prompting more official developmental initiatives, being a cornerstone in achieving sustainable development, promoting national welfare and achieving citizens' aspirations for a growing and stable nation. He also praised the prizes given away at the forum to the Interior, Transportation and Telecommunications, Housing and Health Ministries as well as the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Capital Governorate Secretariat in tribute for their contributions to achieving Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, serving citizens, promoting collective work and fast-tracking modernization and development.