Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary participates in workshop on EDB’s role in encouraging investments

Manama, Sept. 24 (BNA): The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Essa bin Daij Al Khalifa, participated virtually in the closing workshop of a series of workshops organised by the Economic Development Board (EDB) from 20-24 September, to outline the plans and strategies that EDB will implement in 2021 to attract investments. In her statement, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the great role of the Economic Development Board in developing economic relations with the target markets, and the important developmental role it plays in enhancing the economic position of the Kingdom of Bahrain and making it among the leading countries in investment and trade fields. She appreciated EDB’s partnership and cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with various government agencies in order to achieve the goals of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its economic and trade orientations, as well as to market and promote it as a pioneering destination for business, encouraging direct investments and attract capital to create job opportunities and develop the role of the private sector. Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Daij Al Khalifa pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain adopts an advanced economic strategy aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy and achieving Bahrain's Economic Vision (2030), noting that the Bahrain has succeeded in implementing many plans, programmes and specific initiatives to attract investments, thanks to the success of the government and its provision of an ideal atmosphere of economic freedom. The government, she added, has provided modern legislation and sufficient facilities for entrepreneurs to enable them to do their work efficiently and easily, ultimately contributing to the advancement of economic development, based on its policy and keenness to support and develop the private sector as a major engine for national economy development. The Undersecretary explained that the Kingdom of Bahrain is pursuing a wise policy based on supporting all vital sectors and at various circumstances, especially the exceptional ones, such as those conditions that Bahrain and the whole world are experiencing amid the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid 19) pandemic. She added that the Kingdom of Bahrain presented a distinguished model in dealing effectively with the pandemic, and was able to mitigate its effects with a package of measures and initiatives to support citizens, residents and private sector institutions, which contributed to maintaining sustainable growth and economic balance, and also won the praise and respect of world countries and international organizations. She expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to the Government Executive Committee, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, for the exceptional efforts they have made and for their responsible dealing with these circumstances to overcome this stage. She also affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to provide all aspects of full support to the EDB through the Kingdom’s diplomatic and consular missions abroad. This is in line with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ vision aimed at achieving “leadership in political and economic diplomacy with distinct capabilities”, and keenness to enhance and develop joint cooperation and coordination with All the various state institutions, with the aim of enhancing the competitiveness of the Kingdom at the level of the region and the world, and providing all facilities for these institutions to carry out their tasks to the fullest. She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was working to consolidate the concept of “economic diplomacy", given its importance in serving and supporting the Kingdom's economy, achieving economic growth, and increasing economic strength. The Ministry is also strengthening bilateral and multilateral economic relations, consolidating the economic aspect in training programmes for members of the diplomatic and consular corps, and encouraging the employment of persons with economic qualifications, she added.