I. Headlines:
· Cabinet extends freeze LMRA levy till December.
· Bahrain’s $66m interchange project on track.
· Bahrain’s Leadership receive cables of congratulations from the Culture Minister.
II. Economic, Trade, Business:
HM King Hamad Issues Laws.
HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has yesterday issued Law 31 for 2012 ratifying an agreement between Bahrain and Australia with regard to exchanging tax information issues. HM the King also issued Law 32 for 2012 ratifying an agreement between the Bahrain and Denmark with regard to exchanging tax information issues.
Cabinet extends freeze LMRA levy till December.
HRH the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, presided over the regular weekly cabinet meeting in Gudaibiya Palace yesterday. The Cabinet extended the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) levy till the year end in line with the Government’s initiative to support the business sector. The Cabinet discussed in details the overall economic and commercial situation in the Kingdom and pledged support to the economic, merchant and industrial sectors.
Bahrain’s $66m interchange project on track.
Minister of Works, Mr. Essam Khalaf, declared yesterday that there are more than 400 people working round-the-clock to ensure work a BD25 million ($66.31 million) interchange project in Bahrain is completed on schedule. The Minister, who recently toured the Mina Salman Interchange project, said that the two-month afternoon work ban that came into effect yesterday would not affect progress. Mr. khalaf said also that all the efforts have been made to make sure work continues at a good pace and stated “19 per cent of the work had already been completed, it will be ready by the end of next year.”
III. Social, Culture, Tourism:
Bahrain’s Leadership receive cables of congratulations from the Culture Minister.
HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and The Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa have yesterday received cables of congratulations from the Minister of Culture Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa following the landmark decision of the UNESCO to register the Bahrain Pearling Trail on the world heritage list. The iconic Pearling Trail thus becomes the second Bahrain archaeological site to be registered on the World Heritage list after Bahrain Fort that had been listed in 2007.
Bahrain launches green buildings drive.
Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry has approved blueprints to implement eco-friendly policies which aim to construct “green buildings” across the country to reduce all types of pollution and increase green zones and plantations. The Central Municipal Council is Bahrain’s first council to get onboard the scheme and it is understood the other four councils are still studying the proposal. The new legislation will require building owners to adhere to international environmental standards including in lighting, noise, air-conditioning and ventilation, heating, building materials and electricity. It will exclude residential villas and homes and will be implemented in new buildings in the governorate starting from next year.
Summer Camp Opened.
Royal Police Academy opened yesterday the fourth edition of its summer camp, following the directives from HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander. The Royal Police Academy commander paid tribute to Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa for his keenness on promoting Bahraini youth. The camp is set to run until July 17 and 500 youngsters taking part in it. The camp is under the supervision of RPA officers and cadets.
IV. Photo of the Day:
* His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister presiding over the weekly Cabinet meeting. 1st June 2012 Al-Wasat.
Issued by:
Embassy of Malaysia,
MANAMA
2nd July 2012