The Joint Economic Committee between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry convened its 48th meeting at the Chamber’s headquarters. The session was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, and H.E. Mr. Sameer bin Abdullah Nass, Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro stressed that fostering stronger cooperation and integration between the public and private sectors remains a cornerstone for building a more diversified, competitive, and sustainable national economy. He highlighted the private sector’s pivotal role in shaping economic policies, enhancing the business environment, and attracting further investment.

The Minister affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to streamlining procedures and adopting innovative solutions that empower the private sector to play a larger role in driving national development. He commended the Chamber’s active contribution to economic growth, underscoring the importance of advancing initiatives and strategies that support a modern, efficient, and sustainable economic model.

For his part, H.E. Nass emphasized that strengthening institutional coordination between the Chamber and the Ministry is vital to improving Bahrain’s commercial and investment environment. He underlined the importance of closer collaboration among stakeholders to ensure accurate and updated data that supports informed decision-making and enhances services for investors and entrepreneurs.

He further noted that the Chamber continues to reinforce its strategic partnership with government entities through initiatives that simplify processes, improve efficiency, and promote transparency—reflecting Bahrain’s national vision for a forward-looking digital economy that is adaptive and sustainable.

The meeting also reviewed items on the agenda and followed up on the implementation of decisions from the previous session.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening Bahrain’s business environment by adopting innovative policies that support commercial operations, enhance market competitiveness, and create broader opportunities to attract high-quality investments. He emphasized that such initiatives also contribute to the development of integrated retail projects that meet consumer expectations and support the national economy.

The Minister made these remarks during the inauguration of several new retail outlets of Black Fortune Group at Marassi Galleria Bahrain. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Faheem, partner in Black Fortune Group from the United Arab Emirates, alongside Mr. Fahad Kanoo and Mr. Ahmed Kanoo, partners in the group, in addition to a number of officials and guests.

During his tour, the Minister visited several newly opened international stores under Black Fortune Group, including Mumuso, Hooga, Dozolu, and Momo Family. He noted that these openings expand shopping options in the Kingdom and introduce new experiences for consumers at one of Bahrain’s most modern retail destinations. He further stressed the importance of continuing to support retail sector growth, given its pivotal role in driving economic development.

Black Fortune Group is an active player in the retail and institutional investment sector, managing a portfolio of international brands across fashion, home essentials, cosmetics, and lifestyle products. The group has contributed significantly to diversifying Bahrain’s retail landscape in line with consumers’ aspirations for more choice and quality.
 

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce celebrated the graduation of the first batch of the “Consumer Protection Ambassadors” initiative, launched in coordination with the Ministry of Youth Affairs. The program, held in July and August 2025, trained Bahraini youth on commercial laws and complaint handling, combining theoretical and practical experience to promote a responsible consumer culture.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, praised the graduates’ efforts, noting their readiness to serve society and strengthen trust between consumers and authorities. He highlighted the participation of Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons and Jahez International, whose field visits and training opportunities led to the recruitment of several participants, showcasing strong public-private partnership.

Minister of Youth Affairs Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi emphasized the initiative’s role in empowering youth, developing their leadership skills, and preparing them to represent Bahrain regionally and internationally.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel, Minister of Industry and Commerce, received Mrs. Smitha Jensen, Chairwoman of the Indian Ladies Association, and a number of board members.

The Minister praised the Association’s role in strengthening Bahrain–India relations and supporting volunteer and community initiatives, highlighting women as key partners in development.

The meeting also discussed the Association’s volunteer projects and efforts to enhance cultural and social cooperation between the two countries.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce received HE Riham Abdelhamid Mahmoud Ibrahim Khalil, Ambassador of Egypt to Bahrain.

The Minister highlighted the strong historical and economic ties between the two countries and stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation. 

For her part, the Ambassador praised the bilateral relations that bind the two countries in various fields, and commended Bahrain’s development and prosperity in various sectors.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce launched several initiatives for the back-to-school season to support citizens and residents by ensuring quality products at fair prices.

The Consumer Protection Directorate introduced the “Consumer’s Friend” initiative, inviting retailers to offer discounts on school-related goods such as stationery, uniforms, electronics, furniture, food items, and more. The program runs until November 2025.

The Ministry also announced a wide inspection plan to monitor product quality, price fairness, and availability, ensuring diverse options for families.

The Ministry emphasized that the back-to-school season is an opportunity to strengthen public–private partnerships, highlighting the role of Bahraini families and retailers in making the season easier and more promising for students.
 

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, met with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Bakhtiyor Saidov, during his official visit to Bahrain. The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations, especially in trade and industry, and explored investment opportunities in promising sectors.

Both ministers emphasized the importance of continued cooperation, exchange of visits, and coordination on issues of mutual interest. Minister Saidov praised the growing ties between the two countries and expressed Uzbekistan’s interest in deeper cooperation, wishing Bahrain further progress and prosperity.

HE Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, met with HE Merna Khawly, Chargé d’Affaires of the Lebanese Embassy in Bahrain.

His Excellent praised the strong ties between Bahrain and Lebanon and commended Khawly’s efforts in enhancing economic and trade relations. He wished her success in her future roles.

H.E. Khawly thanked Bahrain for the support during her tenure and wished the Kingdom continued prosperity.