Fair rules for online sellers in Bahrain

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Regulating online selling, providing financial support to Bahraini citizens who are wishing to engage in e-commerce, and stimulating the national economy. These are among the objectives of the initiative discussed during yesterday’s weekly Cabinet meeting, held remotely and chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

HRH Prince Salman issued directives to offer online sellers two regulation options in line with the government’s keenness to improve the business environment according to the legal framework.

These are ‘Khetwa’, which offers free of charge to families registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, or virtual commercial registration via ‘Sijili’, in accordance with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism’s regulations, which grants access to financial packages, including Tamkeen’s Business Continuity Program, as well as competitive financial schemes.

It was part of the memorandum presented by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani on the regulation of online business, including home-cooked meals, in order to protect consumer rights.

Launched in 2016 for Bahraini citizens only, ‘Sijili’ has received remarkable responses from freelance micro-entrepreneurs. So far, nearly 3,000 virtual records have been issued with fees equivalent to BD178 upon the first issuance and BD158 upon annual renewal.

This is a onetime fee without any other additional fees. Providing legal alternatives for entrepreneurs and productive families who sell their products online reflects the government’s keenness to protect them and help them develop their businesses within legal frameworks.

The Cabinet also welcomed the outcomes of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s virtual meeting with Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, who praised HM’s commitment to promoting peace and good relations with other friendly nations.

The Cabinet stressed the importance of continued cooperation with the National Audit Office (NAO) in order to protect fixed public assets and strengthen oversight, accountability and responsibility in consolidating the principle of integrity across all government agencies.

It reviewed a report submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the outcomes of the 147th session of GCC Ministerial Council, held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which reflects the strength of regional ties and the shared regional position on external threats, including a clear commitment to the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of states.