Day: June 27, 2024

Manama, On June 27, the international community marks International Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day in recognition of the contributions of these businesses to economic growth and driving creativity and innovation.

Bahrain’s government prioritises SME development, recognising their role in the national economy. The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Board, established in June 2017, includes the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Economic Development Board, Tamkeen, Bahrain Development Bank, and the Tender Board. The council aims to enhance entrepreneurship and SME growth.

Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, the Minister of Sustainable Development and CEO of the Economic Development Board, stated that the council targets increasing the SME sector’s GDP contribution to 45% by 2026, highlighting its importance for economic diversification and job creation.

Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, the Minister of Industry and Commerce and Chairman of the SME Development Board, noted that SMEs constitute
about 93% of Bahrain’s main commercial enterprises. The council has implemented a strategic plan to boost SME establishment, competitiveness, GDP contribution, exports, and employment.

He said that 68% of the strategic plan’s initiatives have been completed, including 44 measures to support SMEs. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce launched the Business Incubators and Accelerators initiative in 2017, providing support services to entrepreneurs. By early 2024, the incubator occupancy rate was 83.4%.

In 2019, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce introduced an electronic SME registration system, the first in Bahrain, to classify enterprises by size and provide customised support. Approximately 6,200 classification requests have been processed, with around 4,200 certificates issued. These certificates offer benefits like a 20% allocation in government procurement, a 10% preference in tenders, and a 7% discount on the health insurance programme ‘Numo’ (growth) provided by the Bahrain National Life Insurance C
ompany.

The Ministry also established a comprehensive SME database for better analysis and planning. The database allows monitoring data on percentages of small and medium enterprises owned by Bahrainis, women, and youth, in addition to other data related to the types of enterprises, their ages, and their distribution according to main and sub-sectors, as well as assessing the growth in the sizes of enterprises from small and medium to large..

Bahrain promotes local industries with the “Made in Bahrain” label, launched in 2020. Since then, 655 Bahraini factories have obtained this label.

In 2022, the SME Development Board and the University of Bahrain launched the technology transfer office to protect intellectual property and support innovation.

Jamal Abdulaziz Al Alawi, Secretary General of the Bahrain Tender Board, reported an 84.8% increase in awarded tenders and auctions to SMEs in the first quarter of this year compared to last year. The Tender Board awarded 86 government tenders worth BHD 25 millio
n to SMEs, reflecting efforts to facilitate their participation.

Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, the Chief Executive of Tamkeen, emphasised the role of SMEs in Bahrain’s economic development. Tamkeen supports SMEs with grants, financing, advisory services, and workforce development programmes.

Dalal Ahmed Al Qais, CEO of Bahrain Development Bank Group, highlighted the bank’s services, including the “Tijara” (trade) digital banking platform and “Tijara Express” financing. The bank has provided financing to over 16,000 entrepreneurs.

Safaa Sharif Abdulkhaliq, CEO of Export Bahrain, emphasised the importance of helping SMEs access global markets through various solutions and services.

The SME Development Board is committed to promoting SME growth and sustainability through strategic initiatives, positioning Bahrain as a hub for SME support and development.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), inspected a BDF unit.

He was briefed on the development and modernisation plans to fulfil tasks and requirements assigned to the unit.

The Commander-in-Chief said that the BDF has made continuous development strides since its establishment, under the leadership and support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the constant follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister.

The Commander-in-Chief expressed his appreciation for the efforts of BDF servicemen in performing their national duty with dedication and efficiency to protect the nation’s gains and civilised achievements.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, and Chairman of the National Anti-Drug Committee, met with Major General Abdulaziz Al Rumaihi, Director General of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science, marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The minister commended the efforts of the Anti-Narcotics Directorate to enhance performance and commitment to security responsibilities. He thanked the specialised organisations and individuals for their cooperation in the committee’s operations.

He noted that 2,285 drug cases were detected from the beginning of 2023 until mid-2024, highlighting security preparedness, using modern technology such as artificial intelligence and reinforcing constructive community partnerships.

The minister emphasised the positive outcomes of the “Ta’afee” (recovery) programme and the services of the community police through the “Ma’an” (together) programme against violence and addiction.

He instructed to continue effor
ts to combat narcotics at schools, youth centres, sports clubs, and cyberspace through raising awareness and promoting collective responsibility.

The minister honoured some of the directorate’s personnel in appreciation for their efforts.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Mohammed Khalid Al Hazza, Acting Attorney-General and Chief of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to supporting human rights and preserving dignity.

The United Nations (UN) International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed annually on June 26, in commemoration of the UN Convention Against Torture in 1987.

Al Hazza said that the right not to be subjected to torture is recognised under international and national law. He underscored the commitment of the international community to formulate a special convention to combat torture and other cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment.

The Chief of SIU underscored the importance of establishing strong mechanisms and providing the necessary legislative and legal framework to investigate the allegations raised and ensure accountability and confronting this crime.

He highlighted that Bahrain has adopted these measures by establishing several agencies
to safeguard and preserve human rights in the criminal justice system, including the SIU.

Al Hazza said that the unit was established in line with the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the Istanbul Protocol.

Al Hazza underscored that the SIU is an independent judicial investigative body that conducts a thorough investigation into allegations related to torture or ill-treatment, determines criminal responsibility in the case, and ensures victims have access to their rights and can receive justice according to international standards.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Chinese technology and computer company Lenovo launched a new member of the Yoga family, the Yoga Air 14c laptop.

The company equipped this 14-inch laptop with the latest Intel Core Ultra processor with a built-in processing unit for Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications.

Lenovo added to the new computer the artificial intelligence assistant Xiaotian, which works with the large language model Tianxi and can perform various tasks through natural language interaction.

The Yoga Air 14c features an OLED touch screen with a resolution of 2.8K, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a brightness of 400 nits, and 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut coverage with support for Dolby Vision technology and certification.

The new Lenovo computer also supports the Lenovo Yoga Inspiration Pen with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports taking notes while the screen is off.

Yoga Air 14c features a new generation Tian Gong hinge system with a 360-degree hinge, allowing users to seamlessly switch between laptop and tablet
mode.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Manama, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received a cable of thanks from His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of Kuwait, in response to HM’s cable of condolences following the fire that broke out in Al Mangaf in Kuwait’s southern Ahmadi Governorate, which claimed numerous casualties and caused injuries.

Source: Bahrain News Agency