Premier affirms support to businessmen

Manama, Oct. 8 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has directed Bahraini businessmen to work with their counterparts in Asian countries to make Bahrain a centre for the distribution of Asian products in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He also underlined the government’s keenness on removing all obstacles and ensuring easy procedures for businessmen and investors in order to encourage the launch of joint Bahraini-Asian ventures, in general, and Bahraini-Thai, in particular. While receiving the Bahraini business delegation taking part in the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) summit at his residence in Bangkok, HRH the Premier stressed the need to broaden cooperation between the Kingdom and Asian countries, and make optimum advantage of Asian countries’ huge potentials to launch strong economic partnerships that support Bahrain’s development efforts and contribute to upgrading the national economy at all levels. Southeast Asian countries’ economic successes and their ability to set a global development model constitute a unique experience that should be emulated, he said, calling for drawing inspiration from that experience by applying the distinguished elements on the Bahraini economy to consolidate its sustainable growth ability. “The huge potentials and resources enjoyed by Asian countries entitle them to be pivotal players at the international arena, and we have to extend more bridges of cooperation with them through focusing on projects that support our economy and contribute to generating more job opportunities for the citizens,” he said. The Prime Minister underlined the government’s keenness on providing all facilities that enable businessmen to launch more partnerships with investors from various countries, stressing that it will not hesitate in backing any national effort aimed at attracting foreign investments to Bahrain. HRH the Prime Minister called on Bahraini businessmen to intensify their visits to Asian countries, and participate in various economic conferences and events to promote Bahrain’s economic openness and freedom, distinguished status as a leading regional financial and banking hub, and to reach trade deals that benefit the national economy. HRH Premier underscored the importance of developing cooperation between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and key economic blocs, including Southeast Asian countries, stressing the need to take full advantage of the huge potentials and opportunities enjoyed by the two sides to achieve the required progress and prosperity. HRH Premier emphasised that GCC countries should develop their economic tools and mechanisms to become an economic bloc with more influence in world trade, and in the international decision-making process, affirming that GCC states are well qualified for that role, and have to develop a more comprehensive outlook into the future. Bahraini businessmen extended utmost thanks, appreciation and gratitude to HRH the Prime Minister for supporting them, and for constantly encouraging them to set up economic partnership with their counterparts from various countries, which, they said, embodies the Premier’s wisdom, and far-sighted vision regarding the crucial role played by the private sector in assisting the government with its efforts to build and develop the national economy. Under the leadership of HRH Premier, the government allocated great interest in providing all facilities that support the private sector and motivate it to invest in all fields, they affirmed. “HRH Premier’s keenness to stand by businessmen and traders always gives them confidence and re-assures them. He has a thorough modern economic vision that has made Bahrain a role model for progress and development,” they said. They added that they would hold meetings with their Asian counterparts on the sidelines of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue. They will also take part in the meeting of the Joint Bahraini-Thai Committee to discuss areas of bilateral cooperation and coordination in various commercial, industrial and investment fields, they said.