Industry Minister: COVID-19 repercussions call for preparing to deal with next stage challenges

TDT | Manama

Preparing to deal with the next stage and its challenges by intensifying cooperation and finding innovative solutions are key to overcoming the repercussions of the coronavirus (COVID-19), according to Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani.

Work must be done with concerned parties on various initiatives and programmes that can contribute to the development of economic sectors, Al Zayani noted. He reiterated that the Industry Ministry is constantly striving to enhance the sustainability of the commercial and industrial sectors, and the growth of their contributions to the local economy, in order to help advance the economic development of Bahrain under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Al Zayani stressed the importance of supporting the economic sectors as they are among the most affected by the pandemic. This would help achieve set and shared goals, protect the achievements already made by Bahrain, and draw a promising future that stands on a solid foundation.

The Industry Minister added that the government has taken numerous steps aimed at reducing operational expenses and raising its efficiency, which calls on everyone to cooperate through this difficult stage in order to further develop the country and protect the interests of its citizens.

Al Zayani indicated that the Ministry has also implemented several measures under the directives of HRH the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the follow-up of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to mitigate the financial and economic effects of the coronavirus.

The BD4.3billion economic stimulus package to support the country’s citizens and private sector has contributed to countering the effects of the pandemic on the national economy. Al Zayani noted that the Industry Ministry continues to work alongside the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) for the benefit of employers and serve citizens, praising the constructive cooperation between the Ministry and the Chamber.