Workshop on economic diversification launched

Manama, Mar. 13 (BNA): Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT), United Nations Development Program, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) yesterday jointly held a workshop on economic diversification and competiveness to boost sustainable development goals in Bahrain. The three-day workshop titled (Economic diversification and competiveness). It attracted representatives from government, NGOs and media, in addition to businesspersons and academic institutions. DERASAT Chairman, Foreign Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; UN Activities Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative, Amin Al Sharqawi; ESCWA Director of Technology for Development, Dr. Haidar Freihat, attended. The workshop highlighted the regional challenges and opportunities for economic diversification. It also touched on Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and national policies to promote competitiveness and diversification. Al Sharqawi, in his speech, noted the Gulf countries’ key steps toward achieving economic diversification, the establishment of infrastructure and educational and health systems, as well as a wide range of manufacturing industries that chiefly serve the international market. Affirming Bahrain is moving on the right track to attain the sought economic diversification. He pointed out Bahrain’s support for the sustainable development goals and agenda 2030, saying the UNDP and Bahrain have been working together to invest in renewable energy, sustainable cities and communities, creativity, infrastructure, as well as in the sustainable economic growth. Freihat said the workshop aimed at raising awareness of challenges and opportunities available in Bahrain.