HRH Premier chairs cabinet session

Manama, May 9 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has directed to host and attract more high-profile specialised medical conferences as they support the government's plans and policies to upgrade the medical and health sector and develop the therapeutic services in the kingdom. In this context, HRH the Prime Minister stressed the importance of the 13th International Congress of the Middle East-Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO), held under his patronage and opened last Wednesday on his behalf by the Deputy Premier HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Chairing the regular weekly cabinet session, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, HRH Premier called for more initiatives that facilitate and fast-track trade and economic transactions using the latest e-government technology to ensure maximum security, privacy and accuracy. In this regard, HRH the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the "Sijilat" Commercial Registration Portal, launched recently by HRH the Crown Prince, in providing facilities for the private sector to make it a partner to the government in economic development. HRH Premier praised the role of HRH Crown Prince in this regard, Cabinet Secretary General Dr. Yasser bin Isa Al-Nasser said in a statement following the session, held at the Gudaibiya Palace. Referring to the Bahrain Press Day, HRH the Prime Minister extended congratulations to the Press institutions across the kingdom, recalling with pride their contributions to preserving the nation's high interests, highlighting its civilisational image and cementing national unity and patriotism. HRH the Prime Minister underlined the government's keenness to support freedom of expression to enable the Press to assume its expected role, and stressed the government's appreciation of the patriotic role of the Bahraini Press and its members. He directed to speed up the development of a modern and enlightened law that regulates press and media in the kingdom, requesting the Information Affairs Minister to coordinate with the relevant sides in this issue. HRH Premier asserted that the rumours hinting that the End of Service Gratuities would be cancelled are baseless, affirming the government's keen interest to ensure the sustainability of pension funds for the best interests of employees and pensioners in the present and the future. On development issues, HRH Premier tasked the Housing Ministry to follow up on the housing needs of Damistan, Karzakan, Sanad and A'ali villages and try to fulfill them according to the Government Action Plan. HRH the Prime Minister then stressed that all government departments should take the interests and livelihoods of customs clearing agents into account, and requested the Labour and Social Development Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority to follow up on the complaints of the Bahrain Customs Clearing Agents Society, verify them and resolve them. The Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning was tasked by the Prime Minister to study the complaints and remarks of the owners of poultry farms regarding the sale of their products and find suitable solutions for them. HRH the Prime Minister also issued instructions to the Ministry of Health to address the issue of medicine importation with suppliers in order to ensure sufficient quantities of all kinds of medicines are available and the citizens’ requirements are met. The session approved three draft edicts that are based on the provisions of Decree-Law 5/1990 on Civil Defence and amended by Law 22/2014, and to be issued by the Minister of Interior. The first draft-law regulates the conditions and procedures for obtaining the permits issued by the General Directorate of Civil Defence, while the second determines the violations of civil defence procedures and the third determines the fees levied on the certificates, reports and licenses issued by the General Directorate of Civil Defence. The cabinet also endorsed a draft edict, to be issued by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, on approving the by-law of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Trademark Law (System). The session approved three draft laws on ratifying the Air Transportation Agreement signed between Bahrain and the Czech Republic, and two air transportation services agreement signed between Bahrain and both Georgia and Hungary. The draft laws were referred to the Legislative Branch in accordance with the constitutional and legal procedures in force. The cabinet also approved the signing of four agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between Bahrain and Switzerland in various fields, and that were included in a memorandum presented by the Foreign Affairs Minister and examined by the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs. The session endorsed a draft-law on amending some provisions of Law 74/2006 with respect to Care, Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities, proposed by the Shura Council. The draft-law was referred to the Council of Representatives, along with the government's reply. The session discussed seven proposals submitted by the Council of Representatives, and approved the government's replies recommended by the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs. They included the establishment of new street linked to the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Avenue to reduce pressure on the Saar Avenue, setting up special classes for autistic children in some kindergartens and nurseries, revamping the fishermen's harbour in Busaiteen, the building of an events' hall in Sadad, the building of a mosque and an events' hall in Buhair and the situation of butchers.