Bahrain's government is formulating effective policies to develop the kingdom’s economic and investment structure and adapt it to attract more investors, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has said.

The kingdom aims to expand the circle of investment and economic cooperation, regionally and internationally, he said.

Economy is the mainstay of development and its main artery, and this is why the government’s strategy and economic plans are more dynamic to ensure that the government-led development can always move towards wider and more comprehensive horizons, the Premier said, according to a BNA report.

HRH Premier affirmed that the Bahraini people’s distinguished qualities, including co-existence, kindness and enlightened thought, are investment-stimulating elements, highlighting Bahrainis’ innumerable success stories in the trade and business sectors.

He praised the major role played by Bahrain’s pioneering businessmen who, he said, had set an example in building the nation’s progress and prosperity. He also stressed the need to document the efforts and contributions of everyone who have exerted efforts for the kingdom’s prosperity.

URBAN PLANNING

The Kingdom will have a new Urban Planning and Development Authority, following a royal decree establishing the authority under the supervision of the minister in charge of urban planning.

The decree, issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, stipulates that the authority will have a chief executive officer (CEO) with the rank of an under-secretary and a deputy CEO with the rank of an assistant undersecretary.

The CEO will be in charge of the Human and Financial Resources Directorate and the Studies and Strategic Planning Directorate. The Detailed Planning Directorate, the Land Development and Projects Directorate and Investment Directorate will be under the deputy CEO.

Shaikh Nayef bin Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa has been appointed as the CEO of the authority. Rashid Salah Rashid Al Sa’ad has been named as the deputy CEO.

The Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister shall implement the decree which takes immediate effect, the decree said.