The industrial sector committee of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has held its first consultative meeting presided over by board member and committee head Abdulhameed Al-Kooheji alongside Assistant Under-secretary for Industrial Management Yousif Ali Hasan, and in the presence of Chairman of the Chamber Khalid Al-Moayyed, and other key officials.

The meeting, which attracted wide participation from representatives of the sector, emphasized two key issues concerning the sector, namely customs exemption on industrial inputs and the increment in the rent of industrial plots.

The participants shared their concern regarding the increase in the rent of industrial plots, which they described as a sudden burden on their financial status. They also expressed their concern about the prospect of the sector particularly amid the sudden decisions and extra costs imposed on them. They called to be involved and consulted in such major decisions through Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and at the same time urged the Chamber to assume a strong stance in manifestation to the premier’s directives. The participants also complained about other obstacles curbing their operations and progress including the congestion of trucks on the causeway.

Al-Kooheji shared the same concerns as the participants, describing the increase in the rent of industrial plots as both high and sudden, and expressing concern about the consequences of such sudden decisions on the strategies and stability of businesses of the sector. Concluding the meeting, Al Kooheji called to involve Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry in all decisions concerning the private sector, and allowing it to effectively represent the private sector and advocate its interests.

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry