I. Headlines:
· Leadership in Bahrain congratulates US Leaders on Independence Day.
· The newly-appointed ambassadors hail Bahrain’s reform steps in the era of HM King Hamad.
· Tamkeen “not hit” by freeze on labour tax.
· HRH Premier pledges zero-tolerance towards those of jeopardize the citizens’ health.
II. Political:
Leadership in Bahrain congratulates US Leaders on Independence Day.
HM the King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, all sent cables of congratulations to US President Barack Obama on his country’s Independence Day (4th of July), hailing strong relations and growing cooperation in all fields. They congratulated also US Vice President Joe Biden and included in them wishes and salutations from Bahrain as a nation and leadership.
The newly-appointed ambassadors hail Bahrain’s reform steps in the era of HM King Hamad.
The undersecretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Abdullah Abdulateef Abdullah, yesterday received new Ambassadors of respective countries of Benin, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Ethiopia and China. Mr. Abdulla congratulated the new diplomats on submitting their credentials to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. He wished them all success in assuming their diplomatic duties, outlining Bahrain’s steps to protect human rights as well as promising opportunities to promote diplomatic, economic and investment relations with their countries. The newly-appointed ambassadors hailed Bahrain’s reform steps in the era of HM the King, stressing their countries’ keenness on boosting cooperation.
III. Economic, Trade, Business:
Tamkeen “not hit” by freeze on labour tax.
Tamkeen marketing communication manager Hala Sulaiman stated yesterday that Funds for nationwide projects to train the Bahraini workforce will not be affected by the decision of suspending the monthly fees for foreign workers. However, the Cabinet decision to extend the freeze on a BD10 ($2.652) Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) tax could disrupt Tamkeen's long-term plans. The levy, which was suspended since April last year, is used to fund its programs, including training Bahrainis and supporting local businesses. It was extended until the end of the year on Sunday as a reprieve for the business community that has been lobbying for the suspension, saying they were still recovering from financial downturns of last year's unrest and global economic challenges.
IIFM holds meeting on liquidity management tools.
Bahrain-based International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM) organized an industry consultative meeting which was hosted by Standard Chartered Saadiq at their office in DIFC in Dubai. The meeting was part of the IIFM efforts to further strengthen Islamic liquidity management, develop alternate tools, and increase liquidity in Sukuk and other Islamic financial instruments. The meeting was attended by Shari’ah Scholars, Regulator, industry experts from banks, law firms, accounting firms and other market participants from various jurisdictions.
Interior Ministry and Tamkeen sign MoU.
Ministry of Interior and Tamkeen have yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to fund the “Preparing the Youth of the Future” program. The memorandum was signed by Mr. Taraq Al Hassan, Public Security Chief Major-General, and Mahmood Al Kooheji, Tamkeen Chief Executive.
The Public Security Chief hailed Tamkeen’s key role in backing the program since its inauguration, in line with the directives and support of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, to tap on the youth’s potentials, hone their talents and protect them from criminality and delinquency. Al Hassan said that taking care of the youth is top priority of the Interior.
IV. Social, Culture, Tourism, Environment:
HRH Premier pledges zero-tolerance towards those of jeopardize the citizens’ health.
Upon receiving the Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Dr. Essam bin Abdulla Fakhro and a number of trade and economic functions yesterday, HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa called for the need to increase procedures and intensify coordination between official sides and the private sector companies regarding the safety of food products, especially meat imported by private companies and sold directly to consumers. The Premier pledged zero-tolerance towards those who violate the regulations and jeopardize the citizens’ health. This comes after an imported bad meat shipment was allegedly came from Eritrea.
Bahrain records fourth hottest June.
Last month was the fourth hottest June on record, said meteorologists, adding that the average daily temperature was 34.7C, more than 2C above the normal. Also officials from Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs' Meteorology Affairs Directorate that this goes on record as the fourth highest mean monthly temperature for June and is only exceeded by June 2009 which was 35.2C, June 1999 which was 35.1C and June 1998 which was 34.8C. The highest temperature recorded was 45.5C, on 18th June, due to the warm south-westerly winds and there were 10 days when the maximum temperature exceeded 40C.
V. Photo of the Day:
* HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifah yesterday invited new Egyptian President Dr. Mohammed Mursi to visit Bahrain. 4th June 2012 Al-Wasat.
Issued by:
Embassy of Malaysia,
MANAMA
5th July 2012