I. Headlines:
· “The Kingdom has committed itself to reform and development,” HRH the premiere asserts.
· “Bahrain continues reforms march,” Deputy King says.
· Bahrain economy posted solid growth in 2011.
· Government Final Account for the year 2010 rejected by the Parliament.
II. Political:
“The Kingdom has committed itself to reform and development,” HRH the premiere asserts.
HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa asserted yesterday that Kingdom of Bahrain has chosen the reformatory and democratic pathway with self-conviction. HRH noted that protection of human rights and the consolidation of democracy and transparency are clearly reflected in the successive initiatives, taken by the country, including the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI). This statement was issued during the courtesy audience to Mr. Boris Ruge the Director-General for the Middle East and North Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany. “Maintaining the security of the homeland is our sacred duty and the measures we have taken to achieve this goal are in accordance with the international standards in this regard, including the respect of human rights and minimum use of force,” Prime Minister said.
III. Economic, Trade, Business:
Bahrain economy posted solid growth in 2011.
Bahrain’s economy continued to grow during 2011 with its annual real output expanding by 2.2 per cent, up over the previous estimate of 1.5 per cent growth, according to a report. The main boost to the Kingdom's economy was by a faster-than-expected recovery in the second half of the year, the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) stated in its quarterly report. The report looks into the key economic indicators of Kingdom for the fourth quarter of 2011 and first quarter of 2012. It drew on statistics from the Central Informatics Organization and indicated that after a sharp fall in the output in Q1 2011 due to unrest, it was back to its previous level in Q3 and grew by 3.2 per cent in Q4 compared to the same period a year earlier.
Government Final Account for the year 2010 rejected by the Parliament.
The Parliament held its weekly session yesterday with the majority of representatives’ rejecting to the Government Final Accounts for the year 2010, which was recommended by the Finance and Economic Affairs committee. The session also heard the Energy Minister’s response to a question on the sums levied on aviation companies operating in Bahrain and it was discussed the reply of the same minister regarding the financial aid granted by Bapco.
Pioneering Real Estate Show - BAPDEX 2012 is coming very soon.
Bahrain Property Developers Association (BaPDA) announced yesterday that it will organize the first Property Development exhibition in Bahrain, the BaPDEX 2012, scheduled to be held at the Seef Mall in Manama in the period 24-30 May 2012. As the property industry and its marketplace continue to expand in the Kingdom of Bahrain, BaPDEX 2012 offers a unique opportunity for retailers and consumers to discover latest products in the market, network and cooperate in a mutually rewarding exchange. Chairman of the BaPDA Board of Director Mr. Aaref Hejres, revealed BaPDA’s dynamic plans aimed at creating a greater momentum to the industry, “BaPDEX 2012 is a pioneering endeavor that will provide a new and exciting platform for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s real estate and property development industry.” He said
IV. Social, Culture, Tourism:
BBK Supports Crown Prince International Scholarship Program.
Chief Executive of the Bank Bahrain & Kuwait, Mr. Abdulkarim Al-Bucheeri, affirmed the bank’s keenness to support the development of youth, education, and Bahraini talent, in cooperation with the Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Program. Mr Bucheeri praised the Program’s achievements and efforts towards Bahrain’s outstanding students with the support and guidance of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander during his visit to the President of the Court of the Crown Prince, Shaikh Khalifa bin Daij Al Khalifa, where he presented BBK’s third installment of BD 200,000, which comes as part of its BD 1 million commitment towards the Program as a Platinum Sponsor.
V. Photo of the Day:
* His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa receiving Mr. Boris Ruge Director-General for the Middle East and North Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany. 22nd May 2012, Al-Wasat.
Issued by:
Embassy of Malaysia
MANAMA,
23rd May 2012