The Kingdom of Bahrain today formally deposited its instrument of acceptance of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, thus becoming the 97th WTO member to do so. Fourteen additional acceptances are required for the Agreement to enter into force.

The deposit ceremony was held at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, in the presence of His Excellency Ambassador Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, and Ms. Maryam Abdulaziz Aldoseri, Commercial Attaché at the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Geneva.

Adopted during the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference, the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies represents a landmark achievement aimed at curbing harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and at promoting the sustainable management of global marine resources.

Bahrain’s deposit of its instrument of acceptance underscores the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system, supporting sustainable development initiatives, and contributing to the preservation of the world’s fisheries for future generations.

The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms its dedication to advancing international cooperation on economic and environmental matters, in line with its broader vision for sustainable growth and responsible resource management.

His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, met Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), on the sidelines of her visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain to participate in the "Bab Al Bahrain Forum 2025", held under the slogan: "Shaping a Sustainable Future through Trade and Employment".

The minister affirmed WTO’s prominent role in implementing different programs that promote trade and support the global economy’s stability and sustainability.

The meeting discussed joint cooperation, and reviewed the most prominent efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain in developing the business environment and raising its economic competitiveness. 

The meeting also touched on the role of the World Trade Organization in supporting emerging economies and enabling them to effectively integrate into the global trading system.

HE Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, received Alastair Long, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The Minister emphasized Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United Kingdom, particularly in the industrial and commercial sectors, to support the shared interests of both countries.

On his part, the Ambassador expressed his appreciation to the Minister for his efforts to advance the longstanding bilateral relations and enhance economic and investment cooperation, wishing the Kingdom continued progress and prosperity.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, stressed the importance of regulating the use of photovoltaic systems in industrial areas, to achieve optimal utilization of industrial plots and enhance the efficiency of resource use.

This came with the issuance of Ministerial Resolution No. (39) of 2025 amending some provisions of the executive regulations of Decree-Law No. (28) of 1999 regarding the establishment and organization of industrial zones issued by Resolution No. (1) of 2000, which aims to introduce regulatory requirements for the installation of photovoltaic energy systems in the industrial zones.

His Excellency affirmed that the decision stems from the industrial sector strategy (2022-2026) which aims to support sustainable industrialization, corresponding with the national action plan to achieve carbon neutrality through a low-carbon economy and adaptation to climate change, in addition to the importance of creating sustainable opportunities in the new green economy.

The Minister added that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is working through a set of initiatives to promote green production, namely the "Green Factory Labeling" and the "Industrial Transition Accelerator", which support the Kingdom of Bahrain's directions in achieving sustainability at various levels, by encouraging factories to use renewable energy sources and reduce electricity consumption, in addition to preparing factories to achieve sustainability and facilitate their export, which require compliance with environmental standards.

Notably, the decision regulates the mechanism for installing photovoltaic systems within the industrial zones of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to achieve optimal use of industrial plots in these areas, based on a number of technical standards compatible with the regulatory requirements for construction in various regions in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The decision stipulates that it is permissible to install a photovoltaic panel system for tenants of industrial plots after obtaining necessary licenses, and to install them on roofs and building facades, in addition to using them as  parking lot shades and for generating renewable energy, provided that the percentage of the area allocated to the photovoltaic panel system in the unused space areas does not exceed 30% of the total area of the industrial plot.

H.E. Ms. Eman Ahmed Al Doseri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, received Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at the United Nations Development Program, and his accompanying delegation. 

H.E. Undersecretary affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s keenness to increase opportunities for cooperation with the UN and its various development programs, and praised the efforts and contributions made by the United Nations and its agencies in supporting economic development in the region.

For his part, the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at the UN Development Program expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the efforts to support development initiatives and programs.

His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce received Dr. Abdulhassan Al Dairi, Chairman of Bahrain small and medium enterprises (SMEs) Society., and a number of members of the Society.

  His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Commerce affirmed the Ministry's support for all economic sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain, including the SMEs sector, which is witnessing a remarkable growth in its contribution to the GDP, thanks to the government‘s facilities and initiatives.

The meeting also reviewed the latest developments and topics related to the SMEs sector, in addition to highlighting the continuous efforts to support its growth in a flexible and supportive business environment..

For his part, Dr. Abdulhassan Al Dairi, Chairman of Bahrain small and medium enterprises (SMEs) Society, stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between the Society and government to further enhance the role of small and medium enterprises in supporting the Bahrain’s economy, expressing his thanks and appreciation for the government's efforts in empowering this vital sector.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, received Mona Al Maaloul, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Tunisia to Bahrain.

The meeting reviewed the strong bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Tunisia, and the positive developments they continue to witness across various fields. His Excellency emphasized the importance of expanding joint cooperation, particularly in the industrial and commercial sectors.

The meeting also discussed a number of topics of mutual interest, reflecting the commitment of both sides to further strengthen bilateral collaboration.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, received (BBMA) Chairman Ahmed Abdullah bin Hindi, and Vice Chairman Mr. Abdulhakeem Ebrahim Al Shimari, and a number of members of the Board of Directors, where a number of topics related to the commercial sector were discussed. 

The minister praised the remarkable efforts of Bahrain Businessmen Association (BBMA) in strengthening the Bahraini private sector, and its contribution to support economic development in the Kingdom of Bahrain, affirming the Ministry’s continuous support to the Association, to promote effective partnership between the public and private sectors.

His Excellency hailed the association's keenness to interact positively with various economic topics, and its active participation in events and forums both locally and internationally, which contributes to enhancing foreign economic cooperation and reflects the commitment to supporting the Kingdom's efforts to consolidate its position as an attractive regional investment hub.