The Joint Economic Committee between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its forty-ninth meeting. The meeting was chaired on behalf of the Ministry by H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, while it was chaired on behalf of the Chamber by Mr. Sameer bin Abdullah Nass, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the attendance of a number of officials from both sides.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce emphasized the importance of the role played by the Joint Economic Committee in strengthening coordination and cooperation between the public and private sectors, in a manner that contributes to supporting the commercial sector and achieving the development goals of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro also expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the commercial and private sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain for their effective contributions and continued support, which had a significant impact on the success of events and initiatives during the holiday season. The sector played a pivotal role in organizing commercial activities and providing distinguished services to consumers, which contributed to boosting economic activity and increasing the level of satisfaction among citizens and residents.

His Excellency noted the Ministry’s keenness to monitor and evaluate commercial and service initiatives, including the initiatives that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce will launch during the holy month of Ramadan next month, with the aim of supporting both consumers and traders alike. He also praised the efforts of the Ministry’s Inspection Directorate, which carried out intensive inspection campaigns across markets and commercial outlets in all governorates of the Kingdom to ensure compliance with commercial standards, protect consumers, and enhance confidence in Bahrain’s business environment.

He affirmed that these joint efforts between the private sector and the government represent a model of a successful partnership that serves the national interest and enhances the competitiveness of the Bahraini economy, wishing everyone continued success and achievement in the coming phase.

For his part, Mr. Sameer Abdullah Nass, Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce for the constructive and fruitful cooperation, affirming that this cooperation has been clearly and positively reflected in serving the national economy and supporting development pathways.

Mr. Sameer Nass pointed out that this cooperative approach embodies a successful model of effective partnership between the public and private sectors, and underscores the importance of integrating efforts between the government and the private sector in a way that contributes to enhancing the business environment and achieving shared economic objectives.

The meeting also discussed the items listed on the agenda, in addition to reviewing and following up on the implementation of the issues and recommendations agreed upon at the previous meeting.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Social Development held a festive event in celebration of Bahrain’s National Day, marking the founding of the modern state in 1783, its UN membership, and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s accession.

The celebration was attended H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, and H.E. Mr. Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development, with the participation of a number of employees from both ministries.

The celebration featured traditional performances including the Ardha dance and showcases by local families presenting traditional Bahraini foods, highlighting the Kingdom’s heritage and supporting local products, adding a festive touch that combines heritage and national culture.

His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, received His Excellency Mr. Arthur Mattli, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to the Kingdom of Bahrain, resident in Abu Dhabi. The meeting discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation in economic, commercial, and investment fields.

The Swiss Ambassador affirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain in support of shared interests and goals.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, inaugurated the Bahrain Electromechanical Refrigeration Equipment Technology (BRET) Factory in Bahrain International Investment Park in Salman Industrial City, in the presence of Chinese Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ni Ruchi, (BRET) CEO Mr. Cao Junfeng, and a number of officials.

On this occasion, the Minister of Industry and Commerce affirmed that the inauguration of the Bahrain Electromechanical Refrigeration Equipment Technology (BRET) Factory reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain’s attractive investment environment and competitive location, as well as its continuous support for the industrial sector and its commitment to strengthening partnerships with local and international investors. Noting that this project is a new addition that demonstrates investors’ confidence in the fundamentals of the national economy and indicates the continued growth of the industrial sector as a key pillar in the path of economic diversification.

The Minister affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continue supporting various industrial projects and provide the necessary facilities to enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness on the regional and international investment map, in line with the objectives of the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022–2026).

For his part, Mr. Cao Junfeng, CEO of the Bahrain Electromechanical Refrigeration Equipment Technology Factory, explained that the decision to establish this factory in the Kingdom of Bahrain was based on its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and supportive business environment. He noted that the factory will serve as a primary launch base to cater to the Gulf and Middle Eastern markets with high-performance, energy-efficient cooling solutions.

The factory is built on an area of 5,000 square meters and serves as a regional hub for producing high-capacity freezing and cooling equipment, including ultra-low-temperature freezers, fresh-keeping cabinets, meat display units, and beverage chillers, to meet the needs of the retail, hospitality, healthcare, and food service sectors, as well as the residential sector.

The project is undergoing three integrated implementation and operational phases. The first phase involves establishing the factory and beginning distribution in the local market, followed by exporting to the GCC countries, with a production capacity of up to 200 units per day. The second phase serves as a transitional stage for expansion in the GCC and Middle Eastern markets by adopting more efficient manufacturing mechanisms and enhancing service and logistics systems, increasing production capacity to between 400 and 600 units per day.

In the third phase, the company aims to expand exports from the Kingdom of Bahrain to global markets, focusing on the European and American markets, in addition to upgrading manufacturing processes using machines and technologies that incorporate artificial intelligence applications, and increasing the factory’s capacity to advanced levels.

His Excellency Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, conducted a field visit to Bridge Industrial Services Company factory in the Salman Industrial Port area, as part of ongoing efforts to follow up on national industrial facilities and developments in the sector.

The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to supporting national companies and strengthening their role in the economy, highlighting the Bridge’s long-standing contributions and the strength of Bahrain’s industrial infrastructure and national talent in achieving the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022–2026).

He received a detailed briefing on the company, founded in 1967, its vital role in supporting Bahrain’s industry, and its production lines and services, including welding, precision fabrication, and a machining department equipped with advanced equipment for producing industrial spare parts.

Company representatives expressed their appreciation to the Minister, noting that the continuous support and facilitation provided to Bahrain’s industrial sector help enhance and expand services to meet local and regional market needs with high quality and efficiency

His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to enhance its position as a strategic gateway for global business. He highlighted the Kingdom’s flexible, open, and globally connected economy, along with its competitive economic and legislative ecosystem that provides a supportive environment for companies, enabling them to enter and expand within regional and international markets.

His Excellency explained that the Kingdom is moving forward with comprehensive regulatory developments that enhance performance efficiency, transparency, and investor confidence. These efforts contribute to accelerating procedures, overcoming challenges, and supporting sustainable economic development pathways.

This came during His Excellency’s participation in the launch ceremony of the first edition of “The Business Year: Bahrain 2026”, issued by The Business Year (TBY) group. The event was held at the Gulf Hotel Convention Center, with the attendance of more than 150 prominent figures, including senior executives, decision-makers, and investors.

The report, prepared over eight months, was based on more than 160 exclusive interviews with ministers, executives, and business leaders. It provides a comprehensive view of Bahrain’s economic trajectory, its competitive strengths, and its growing role as a regional hub for global business, while also highlighting the strength of its regulatory framework, the attractiveness of its investment environment, and the development of its infrastructure and national talent.

The event included a discussion session with Mr. Khalid Abdulrahman Al Majeed, CEO of “Edamah,” during which he reviewed the company’s investment strategy, diversified portfolio, community-oriented projects, and its role in supporting Bahrain’s economic goals.

The program also featured a multi-sector panel discussion titled “The Role of Key Sectors in Enhancing Bahrain’s Position as a Global Gateway.” Participants included Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain International Circuit; Mrs. Maryam Hassan Mustafa, CEO of the Education and Training Quality Authority; Mrs. Safa Abdulkhaliq, CEO of Export Bahrain; and Mr. Othman Ahmed, CEO of Bahrain National Holding Group. The speakers discussed development opportunities within their sectors and their role in enhancing the Kingdom’s competitiveness and economic attractiveness.

For her part, Mrs. Clara Corominas, Country Manager of “The Business Year” in Bahrain, confirmed that the launch of this edition reflects the growing level of trust between the group and both the public and private sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain. She noted that the wide participation and the quality of dialogue reflect the Kingdom’s ambition and readiness, affirming the group’s eagerness to bring these national experiences to a global platform.

The celebration also included a welcome speech by Mr. Zayed Rashid Al Zayani, Chairman of Al Zayani Investments. The event was institutionally supported by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the British Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain. “Al Zayani Investments” and “Amanat” participated as platinum sponsors, while “Bapco Energies,” “ ABC Bank,” and “NBB” were gold sponsors. Gulf Hotels Group served as the official hospitality partner, and “Aramex” as the official distribution partner.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has launched the third edition of the “Digital Business Champions Overseas Program for Companies and Factories,” in cooperation with Export Bahrain and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), with participation from leading and mentoring companies.

The initiative supports the Ministry’s efforts to develop the digital trade sector and boost its role in the digital economy. The program aims to enhance exports through digital trade, prepare companies and factories to adopt digital practices, and promote digital transformation.

According to Mrs. Maram Mukhtar Al-Mahmeed, Director of the Information Systems Directorate, the first two editions attracted over 170 participants from more than 96 entities. The new edition will include factories, reflecting the sector’s importance to economic growth, and will feature a specialized export mentoring session by Export Bahrain.

The program will offer expert-led mentoring sessions on digital trade and exporting, including best practices, challenges, online store development, marketing, logistics, policies and intellectual property protection.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce invites companies, establishments, and factories wishing to participate in the program to register through the following link: https://service.moic.gov.bh/ecom/echamp.

For more inquiries and information about the program, please contact: 17574888 or email: ecom@moic.gov.bh.

The 4th meeting of the Bahraini–Russian Intergovernmental Committee for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation was held in Moscow, chaired by H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, for Bahrain, and H.E. Ms. Olga Lyubimova, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, for Russia, with the participation of senior officials from both sides.

H.E. Fakhro stressed that the meeting reflects the two friendly countries’ interest in further strengthening Bahraini–Russian relations and expanding bilateral cooperation, highlighting the Kingdom’s keenness to develop international partnerships and promote joint work to support economic, scientific and technological sectors.