The Ministry of Industry and Commerce calls on all commercial establishments in the Kingdom of Bahrain to start taking necessary steps to comply with Resolution No. (43) of 2024 regarding commercial transactions of commercial establishments before the deadline on June 13, 2025.

The resolution binds all existing and new commercial establishments to open a commercial bank account with one of the licensed banks in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and provide a reliable e-payment method, such as electronic payment systems, point of sale (POS) devices, or electronic payment gateways.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, said: "We are entering a new phase of financial and commercial development in Bahrain, and we call on all businesses to seize this opportunity to upgrade their business and adopt modern payment systems that provide security and efficiency." "Resolution No. (43) of 2024 is not just a legal obligation, but a step towards improving financial operations and enhancing transparency. We urge all enterprises to take the initiative immediately, to ensure a smooth transition towards a safer and more advanced financial system.

For more information, you can visit the Ministry's website https://www.sijilat.bh or call 80008001.

H.E. Mr. Adel bin Abdulla Fakhro Minister of Industry and Commerce received H.E. Sumate Chulajata,  the newly appointed Ambassador of Thailand to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The minister highlighted the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Thailand, underscoring the commitment to advancing cooperation across various domains, particularly in Economy and Investments.

On his part, Ambassador Chulajata affirmed the depth of ties between the two countries, and praised Bahrain’s efforts in advancing bilateral investment and cooperation.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce organized the activities of the twentieth GCC Consumer Protection Week, in coordination with consumer protection authorities and departments in the GCC countries, to emphasize the importance of the unified GCC role in protecting consumer rights in light of the sector’s rapid developments and growing challenges at local and regional levels.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed that this year’s GCC Consumer Protection Week plan translates the directives of the Heads of Consumer Protection in the GCC Committee, in an aim to unify awareness campaigns and community activities to enhance joint awareness and exchange of expertise among GCC countries, to serve the best interest of GCC consumers and provide a safer and fairer commercial environment.

His Excellency elaborated that the GCC Consumer Protection Week is an important platform to send targeted awareness messages to all segments of society, as the events aim to empower consumers with knowledge of their rights and duties, increase their awareness of the complaint mechanisms and legal protection available to them, in addition to highlighting the efforts of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain in developing legislation, programs and policies that support consumer protection.

Within the framework of this week's activities, the Minister of Industry and Commerce stressed that this year's celebrations acquire a distinctive character through the launch of the "young Consumer and young merchant " initiative, at Seef Mall – Manama, with the aim of instilling the principles of consumer awareness and commercial responsibility among children from a young age, and introducing them to the basics of the relationship between consumer and merchant, and the rights and duties of each party, which contributes to preparing a conscious generation capable of making responsible consumer decisions.

He added: "We believe in the importance of instilling a culture of conscious consumption in the hearts of children and youth, as they are the basic building block of our future society. The young Consumer and young Merchant initiative is a practical step towards achieving this goal, through an interactive and enjoyable educational experience that combines benefit and knowledge."

Moreover, Minister Fakhro praised the efforts of supporting national authorities, stressing the continuation of constructive coordination between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, represented by the Consumer Protection Directorate, the Ministry of Education, INJAZ Bahrain, and "Mytoyco", which represents an active partner in implementing consumer awareness programs.

Mr. Abdulaziz Al Ashraaf, Assistant Undersecretary for Control and Resources at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce affirmed that the Ministry has intensified inspection campaigns on markets and shops around Bahrain as Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix Launches in the kingdom.

Al Ashraaf clarified that these campaigns are part of the ministry's continuous efforts to ensure that all commercial establishments comply with laws and regulations, and to protect the rights of individuals during busy seasons.

He added: "Through this campaign, we aim to monitor sales practices, ensure the transparency of offers and discounts and clear prices, and take the necessary legal measures against any violating commercial establishment to ensure a fair and safe commercial environment."

The Assistant Undersecretary added that the Ministry continues to intensify inspection before and during race days, to enhances the quality of services, consolidates confidence in local markets, and reflect a positive image of the Kingdom of Bahrain for visitors from around the world.

Al Ashraaf called on all citizens, residents and visitors to cooperate by reporting any violations by contacting (80001700), or via e-mail (Inspection@moic.gov.bh) , or through the National System for Suggestions and Complaints "Tawasul", or via the WhatsApp on the number: (17111225).

H.E. Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro received HE Andrea Catalano, Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The Minister stressed the depth of Bahraini-Italian relations, and their cooperation at various levels, noting the importance of strengthening relations to achieve common aspirations.

The meeting also discussed a number of issues of common interest, and ways to enhance economic cooperation and expand the scope of trade and investment exchange.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce received the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Bahrain, Tatjana Garčević.

HE the Minister welcomed Ambassador Garčević, praising the depth of relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Serbia, pointing to the importance of strengthening and developing bilateral cooperation to serve common interests.

The meeting also listed the most prominent advantages of Bahrain’s investment environment, in addition facilities and legislations that make it a preferred destination for global investments.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed that protecting consumer rights and raising awareness of the importance of adopting a sustainable lifestyle is a priority for the Ministry, which constantly aims to empower consumers and support them to make responsible consumer decisions.

This came on the occasion of the World’s Consumers' Rights Protection Day, marked on March 15 by the United Nations since 1983, and this year, it comes under the slogan "Sustainable Lifestyles".

H.E. the Minister noted that achieving sustainability in consumption has become an urgent necessity that requires close cooperation between government entities, the private sector, civil society organizations, and consumers themselves, to ensure a fair and transparent consumer environment that encourages reliable and responsible business practices.

His Excellency added that the Consumer Protection Directorate at the Ministry will continue to work on launching new initiatives and programs to promote a culture of sustainable consumption, and cooperating with local and international bodies to transfer expertise and successful experiences in this field, stressing the role of the Consumer Protection Directorate in involving youth and future generations through awareness and training, and motivating them to adopt more conscious and responsible consumption habits by partnering with the Ministry of Education and educational institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Minister Fakhro stressed that consumer protection is not just a legal responsibility, but rather a moral and societal obligation that enhances trust and preserves rights in a fair and sustainable economic environment. Affirming that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is committed to continuing its efforts to protect consumer rights and spread awareness of sustainable consumption.

In the attendance and support of H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, the second edition Legacy Family Business Forum 2025 will be held on Wednesday 23^rd April 2025 at Downtown Rotana Bahrain under the theme: “Sustaining a Legacy: the balance between tradition and innovation”. This highly anticipated event highlights the challenges and opportunities that face multi-generational corporations; and how to pass on the business legacy. 

The forum comes as an important periodic platform that gathers market leaders, decision-makers and owners and heads of family businesses to exchange experiences and practices for transformation and growth during periods of change and achieve sustainability and stability for these companies across generations, as family businesses represent about 90% of the private sector in the Middle East and North Africa, and achieve more than 30% of the national product of the countries of the region.

This year’s Legacy Forum aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing multi-generational mega companies, and discusses corporate sustainability by employing innovation and some important topics such as replacement policies, corporate governance, and next-generation leaders.

The Forum will bring speakers of the founding generation and embark a dialogue with members of the new generation in Family Businesses. Hot topics will include discussions over innovation, sustainability, succession and corporate governance. 

The Legacy Forum is becoming a regular platform for industry leaders, decision makers and top family business members to share insights, network and evolve. The impact of family enterprises on regional economies reflects the need for tailored strategies that ensure sustainable economic growth over generations to come. 

This Forum is co-organized by Expressions Media and Bahrain Businessmen’s Association, in support and collaboration of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Bahrain Bourse and the National Center for Family Businesses from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.