Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Romaihi described the Government Forum 2017 as a real translation of the noble directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the executive and legislative branches to boost the culture of following up on the implementation of development programmes on the basis of justice, transparency, competitiveness and sustainability and according to the Economic Vision 2030.

Speaking at a press conference at Isa Cultural Centre, Al Romaihi hailed the inauguration of the 2nd Government Forum 2017 which is held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. He hailed the national event which brings together leaders and decision-makers in the government to review progress in implementing the government’s action plan 2015-2018 and map out visions and strategies for the years 2019-2022.

The Information Minister shed light on the forum’s sessions which revolve around three chapters: the economic, financial and infrastructure chapter, the services and environment chapter and the legislative and government performance chapter. He lauded the achievements brought about in implementing the government’s current action plan and the decision-makers’ keenness to discuss challenges, exchange views and unify efforts to achieve the supreme national interest and serve citizens.

The minister commended constructive cooperation between the executive and legislative branches in upgrading the legislative system and anchoring the pillars of the state of institutions and law through the issuance of 102 laws and law decrees during the current legislative term, including mainly the Family Law number 19 for 2017 and law number 18 for 2017 regarding punishment and alternative procedures and the law regulating the real estate sector.

The Information Minister pointed out the accomplishments made in the economic, financial and infrastructure field as part of the government’s plans to diversify sources of revenues and achieve financial sustainability amid global economic and financial challenges. He stressed the government’s keenness on optimum use of resources as well as developing oil and non-oil economic sectors like tourism, financial and logistic services, transformational industries and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) so as to strike a balance between revenues and expenditure and improve citizens’ welfare.

Al Romaihi spotlighted the main strategic infrastructure and energy projects citing the expansion and development of Bapco refinery, setting up plants to generate electrical and solar energy and inaugurating the first phase of Bahrain International Airport expansion project in 2019 to boost its yearly capacity from 8 million to 14 million passengers. He also pointed out strategic road projects for which $ 1.2 billion were allocated as part of the Gulf Development Programme and within the framework of the plan of the High Committee for Urban Planning which is chaired by HRH the Crown Prince.

The minister reviewed the main issues raised in the debate session in relation to the services and environment chapter as well as the achievements brought about in the electricity and water field, housing, health, youth, sport and environment.

Source: Fana News