Under the directives of HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Finance Minister launches Githa Strategy and announces Food City Project
Manama, 4 June (BNA): Following the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to accelerate the development and implementation of plans and initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and ensuring the sustainability of resources for the future of the Kingdom’s citizens, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has tasked the relevant authorities to enhance national capabilities, develop the necessary infrastructure, and stimulate partnerships with the private sector.
In this context, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy and Chairman of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, announced the launch of the strategy of Bahrain Food Holding Company (Ghitha) and a food park project in collaboration with Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah), the real estate arm of Mumtalakat. This project is set to become one of the largest in the Kingdom’s food sector and marks a new phase of integrated efforts in the pursuit of food security.
On this occasion, the Minister of Finance and National Economy emphasised Bahrain’s continued diligent efforts to develop food security plans and projects, incorporating various essential components that ensure their sustainability. This is achieved through the ongoing adoption and execution of strategic initiatives and projects in this vital sector.
During his speech at the launch ceremony, attended by Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat, and several high-ranking officials, he highlighted the crucial role of the private sector as an active partner in the comprehensive development process, aimed at supporting Bahrain’s efforts to achieve food security. He noted that Ghitha’s strategy reinforces the concept of partnership between the public and private sectors and contributes to building an integrated food ecosystem to increase local production based on innovation, development, and investment in national competencies, as well as establishing foundations for healthy and sustainable food production.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa highlighted Mumtalakat’s commitment to contributing to the food sector by consolidating its food-related assets under Ghitha, as well as its ongoing initiatives to explore investment opportunities within the agricultural and food sectors. These efforts aim to deliver sustainable economic growth and contribute towards achieving food security. He also emphasised Mumtalakat’s focus on value creation within its assets and fostering collaboration and integration among its portfolio companies to achieve sustainable, long-term returns. This approach is exemplified by the partnership between Ghitha and Edamah to launch the Food Park, which is among the largest in the Kingdom’s food industry. Covering an estimated area of one million square metres in its first phase, the Food Park will serve as an integrated industrial centre for the production, manufacturing, and distribution of food products, adhering to the highest standards and practices in the field.
Basim Al Saie, Chairman of Ghitha, stated: “We are proud to launch Ghitha’s strategy and new identity today. Our vision is to establish close collaborations with both the public and private sectors as strategic partners, driving joint investments, fostering innovation, and enhancing local competencies to produce healthy, sustainable food. Furthermore, we value the integral role that Mumtalakat plays as a catalyst for partnerships with the private sector, encouraging further growth in the manufacturing and distribution of the Kingdom’s food sector.”
During the event, Ghitha unveiled its new strategy and identity as the holding company for Mumtalakat’s food-related assets. It also announced the development of an integrated Food Park in partnership with Edamah, marking the first of its kind in Bahrain, with an initial area of one million square metres in its first phase. The Food Park will include future investments and new assets, fostering additional collaboration opportunities with the private sector, and reinforcing Ghitha’s commitment to sustainability principles and job creation.
