Surging economy

The Cabinet yesterday chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, reviewed Bahrain’s key Q3 2018 economic indicators, which revealed a 1.6 per cent increase in GDP.

The report also recorded a 20pc annual increase in trade, which reached BD 2.2bn, and an 8.8pc decrease in trade deficit compared with Q2 2017. Industrial investments reached BD 21.5 million in Q3 2018 with 12 commercial licences issued during the same period. The Cabinet extended best wishes to His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, following his successful health checks.

It highlighted the Prime Minister’s significant role in advancing Bahrain’s development, in line with His Majesty the King’s aspirations to provide opportunities for citizens. Marking the 22nd anniversary of the Kingdom’s National Guard, the Cabinet highlighted the key role the National Guard, Bahrain Defence Force and Ministry of Interior play in safeguarding Bahrain’s security, a key component of ongoing sustainable development efforts.

The Cabinet also recognised the National Guard’s continued advancement under the leadership of His Highness General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa.