‘Vote for continuity’ key Tojjar-22 motto at BCCI election

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

Vote for continuity to ensure sustainability and growth will be the major theme of the Tojjar-22 Bloc at the upcoming Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) elections that will be held on March 19, 2022.

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Tribune, Sameer Nass, incumbent BCCI Chairman and head of Tojjar-22 Bloc, said growth and sustainability remain the key pillars of the Tojjar-22 campaign.

“We want to continue our ongoing efforts for the welfare and progress of businessmen in the Kingdom.”

Real voice

The leading businessman in Bahrain, who is the Chairman of Nass Group, said the success of the incumbent board concerning matters related to the Kingdom’s business community bears testimony to the future commitments.

“During the previous polls, in the year 2018, our campaign mainly focused on corrections in the Chamber’s path so that it would become the real voice of the business community. “As per the Laws, the Chamber is the representative of the business community and we wanted it to have extra weightage and appreciation before the legislature (Shura and House of Representatives) and the executive.

One of the primary restructuring initiatives included reducing the number of committees from 24 to 10 representing different sectors as per the international standards.

“During the past four years, we have raised many matters that affect the economy and businessmen of the country.

Our voice was highly considered and respected by the leadership, government and parliament.

They have always been taking our opinion about economic matters.

Liquidity Support Fund

“We were involved in the formulation of a stimulus plan for protecting the economy and businessmen. We were one of the inspirations behind the BD100 million Bahrain Liquidity Support Fund launched to support businesses by the Ministry of Finance and National Economy along with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Tamkeen and several banks.

“We carried out vital studies on revitalizing the economy during the most challenging times. We were part of the economic strategies formulated in line with Vision 2030. I must say that we fought more for the SMEs as they constitute nearly 95 per cent of the Chamber membership. Our efforts in this direction have had many victories, for instance, our efforts helped SMEs gain an advantage over obtaining government tenders.

“We have made nearly 350 recommendations to the government to boost the economy in the next 20 years encompassing sectors such as tourism, medical tourism, ICT and so on. Many of these recommendations have been taken positively by the government and the post-pandemic recovery plan has been mainly based on them.”

Nass termed the allegations, which claim that the “Chamber doesn’t remain inclusive of all businesses and businessmen” as absolutely baseless.

“Our Chamber is one of the few in the Mena region that is democratically elected by the business community.

As of now, we have six board members representing the SMEs and this shows adequate representation.

They are also well represented in all Chamber committees. “The allegations of changes in voting weightage is without any foundation.

The weightage of votes has remained the same and now it is much fairer and the elections reveal the choice of the business community in the Kingdom.

We must acknowledge the fact that there are families in the Kingdom with a rich history in the business segment.

"The Chamber was established in 1939 by business families and they continue to play an integral role in economic development.

We must not forget that 100 per cent of board members are elected by the Kingdom’s businessmen upon the completion of their terms.”

Nass pointed out that the Chamber has been a pioneer when it comes to embracing the latest technologies for businesses.

“In November 2019, we hosted a conference called Arab Investment Conference, whose theme was Fourth Industrial Revolution.

We directed all businesses to embrace the latest technologies including Artificial Intelligence, three months before the pandemic began.

Now, we can see that the technologies have taken more grip over the economy during the pandemic period.

Electronic transactions have increased 450 per cent during the past two years.”

Take the lead

The business leader said he is highly optimistic regarding the post-pandemic economic recovery.

“Of course there are challenges. But I am very optimistic that the Kingdom will be able to overcome all of them as it is on the track to recovery and growth.”

To upcoming businessmen of the Kingdom, Nass’ advice is simple: “You have to be honest and dedicated.

You have to be an innovator and not a follower. Take the lead in your hands and always be on alert.

There will be challenges, but opportunities are even bigger.”

The Chamber is all set to elect its new board of directors on March 19, 2022.