HRH Premier directs to develop rapid response plans to mitigate economic impacts of emergencies

Manama, Apr. 19 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has stressed the national role played by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) during the various challenges Bahrain has gone through, noting that through its dedicated national initiatives and stances, BCCI has proved that it is a supporter to the government, and a partner in the kingdom’s achievements and progress. HRH Premier expressed thanks and appreciation to BCCI Chairman and members for their constant communication and cooperation with the government on everything that would consolidate economic development, noting that the government-BCCI cooperation is a well-established approach adopted by the government and the trade sector at all times. “Throughout generations, BCCI’s men have given a lot to the economic work in the kingdom, and contributed to strengthening and developing the national economic infrastructure. You are the sons of those men who had served the nation for many years of giving,” HRH Premier said while addressing BCCI Chairman, Sameer Abdulla Nass, and members, whom he received at his palace in Riffa today, and reviewed with them the efforts to revitalise the national economy and commercial sectors amid the current circumstances. The Prime Minister indicated that the package of financial and economic measures taken by the Kingdom was aimed primarily at supporting the citizens and enabling the commercial and economic sectors to continue their activities, adding that the government will continue supporting the commercial and industrial sectors, in a manner that enables them to play their role in revitalising the national economy, overcome the current stage and emerge stronger. HRH Premier gave directives to develop future plans that contribute to rapid response and efficient dealing with the economic repercussions and impacts of any emergency, especially regarding food security, rapid flow of goods and price control in the markets. The Prime Minister instructed the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry to cooperate with BCCI, and intensify their efforts to study the conditions of owners of small, micro and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the self-employed who have been affected by the precautionary measures taken by the kingdom to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), to ensure they are supported in order to be able to face the impacts of the current crisis. HRH Premier stressed the importance of doubling efforts and being committed to the collective responsibility spirit during the current phase in which the world is hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, which will contribute to overcoming its repercussions that have affected everyone, and consolidating the strengthen and growth of the national economy. The Prime Minister affirmed that the government’s priority is to preserve the safety of the citizens and residents, as well as support all sectors, especially small traders, so as to continue their work, noting that the current period requires greater cooperation among everyone to ensure the continuity of commercial activities and economic growth. “We are confident that Bahrain is capable of overcoming the current crisis and emerging stronger from it, because the development process in our country is based on investment in the human element, the pillar of progress in various fields,” the Premier said. “We are lucky with the citizens of our people, who have showcased the best images of patriotism and dedication in serving their homeland,” he added. HRH Premier urged BCCI to intensify its efforts and cooperate with traders to meet the citizens’ needs of various food stuffs and others, as well as ensure their sufficiency at markets at reasonable prices, especially with the near advent of the holy month of Ramadan. The Prime Minister called on BCCI to work with various trade and industrial sectors to ensure their commitment to the anti-COVID-19 precautionary measures among expatriate workers, through taking all preventive measures at their accommodation and work sites. BCCI Chairman expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for his care, and interest in BCCI, praising the Premier’s constant support for trade and industrial sector in the kingdom, thus consolidating its role in enhancing the national economic growth. BCCI chief affirmed that HRH Premier’s directives have had a good impact in achieving traders’ requirements, as well as in boosting the development efforts in the kingdom. “Today, we listened to HRH Premier’s wise vision and in-depth analysis of the nature of the economic challenges the world is facing because of the crisis resulting from coronavirus. As usual, the Prime Minister expressed all support to the commercial sector, particularly small traders to increase their ability to face the impacts of this crisis,” Nass said. He reaffirmed BCCI’s support for all efforts and measures of the government to contain COVID-19, adding that it is following up on the developments of the situation, and holding meetings with traders and business owners to discuss with them ways to confront the short and long-term impacts of the virus. He also pointed out that the issue of expatriate workers enjoys equal interest.