Alwasat (Translation) 4th April 2012 |
I. Headlines:
- Bahrain's natural gas of higher prices than the whole world for the first time.
- HRH the PM Instructs the continuance in implementing the Government's development projects.
- Shaikh Khalid received the American Congress delegation.
II. Political:
HRH the PM Instructs the continuance in implementing the Government's development projects.
HRH the Premier Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa in his meeting yesterday with the Minister of Works Essam bin Abdullah Khalaf, who presented to HRH a number of governmental projects one of which is the health center project in Bumaher. In fact, The PM and the Minister during the meeting reviewed the preparations to launch the biggest health center in Bahrain, a center that will be fully functional by the middle of this month in Bomaher. HRH confirmed that the Government's Action Plan is going as planned, especially regarding the big projects, and that the government is going ahead with the establishment of more projects that create the appropriate care and services to citizens in various fields of health, housing, education, infrastructure support and investment environment.
Shaikh Khalid receives the American Congress delegation.
The minister of foreign affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, received yesterday a delegation of the American congress. The minister welcomed the delegation, and praised the partnership between Bahrain and the United States of America, hailing the initiatives taken from the American government side to strengthen the historical relationship that exists between the two countries. Subjects of mutual interest were discussed also not to forget to mention the economic,trade and political ones.
III. Economic, Trade, Business:
Bahrain's natural gas of higher prices than the whole world for the first time.
Gas prices have dropped on world markets (North America), to $ 2.15 per million BTUs, a price lower than that of Bahrain for the first time since the discovery of oil and gas in the 1930’s. It is worthy to mention that Bahrain sells, since the beginning of the year 2012, the natural gas in the local market with $2.25 per million BTUs, which is higher than the world price by 10 cents (equivalent to 37 fils). In spite of the price difference, the Bahraini natural gas is considered to be less expensive if it is sold from the local factories; since the purchase of gas from North America, will add other costs such as transport, storage, insurance and other things that make the importation not worthy but costly in fact. Thus the local gas is the best option.
Bahrain expects 7.2% salary rise in 2012.
In the backdrop of an average salary rise in GCC of 6.7%, Bahrain expects 7.2% pay increase in 2012, according to the GCC Aon Hewitt survey. Data from the latest Salary Increase Survey (SIS) from Aon Hewitt, the global human resources business of Aon Corporation (NYSE:AON), showed that salary increase levels have risen over the last two quarters, a promising sign for employees across the GCC and MENA region. Projected salary increases for 2012 are standing at an average of 6.7%, with Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman planning to increase salaries most significantly over the coming year.
IV. Social, Culture, Tourism:
Ministry of Labor’s Undersecretary Sabah Salem Al-Dossari revealed that the Ministry has signed 2,938 agreements with 618 civil sector’s institutions in respect of training and employing university graduates within the Rehabilitation and Employment of University Graduates Project. Mr. Al-Dossari explained that these agreements were signed in the context of the social partnership between the Ministry and a number of civil sector institutions, in order to provide a safe and attractive work environment for the national laborers in general and university graduates in particular, he added that 1,103 work agreements and 1,661 training ones were already signed.
Culture Minister receives Marcia Fudge.
Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa yesterday received visiting US Congresswoman “Marcia Fudge” and discussed Bahrain heritage sites and the programme of "Manama, Capital of Arab Culture 2012". Shaikha Mai spotlighted Tylos Artifacts exhibition-Tylos: the Journey beyond Life-being displayed as part of the Month of Museums. The archaeological expo will then be showcased at the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, Russia in July 2012. Similar cultural exchanges between the United States and Bahrain were proposed and Congresswoman Fudge was very interested in learning about the diverse facets of the year-long programme lined-up for Manama, the Capital of Arab Culture.
V. Other :
HM the King receives cable of Thanks from Egyptian Ambassador.
HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday received a cable of thanks from the Egyptian Ambassador to Bahrain Ashraf Harbi. In the cable, the envoy expressed, on behalf of the Egyptian community in general and the Coptic community in particular, sincere thanks and appreciation to HM the King for condoling the Egyptian leadership, people and Copts, on the sad demise of Pope Shenouda III, wishing HM the King continuous good health and happiness.
Alwasat (Translation)
4th April 2012 PHOTO OF THE DAY (Section) ????? ??? |
(On left sitting) HRH the Premier Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa gives his directives to launch the biggest health center in Bahrain in Bomaher, Muharraq (3rd April 2012).
Issued by:
Embassy of Malaysia,
MANAMA,
4th April 2012