Global Arab Network | Bahrain National Day marks 10 years of political and economic reform

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Bahrain National Day marks 10 years of political and economic reform

Tuesday, 15 December 2009 12:16

Bahrain_H.M._King_Hamad_bin_Isa_Al_Khalifa

Manama - Bahrain National Day 2009, celebrated tomorrow, marks 10 years of significant political, social and economic reform since the accession of H.M. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, said Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Kingdom’s Economic Development Board (EDB) today.

“National day is particularly special this year. It is ten years since H.M. King Hamad became king and initiated the programme of reforms,” said Shaikh Mohammed.   “These ten years have seen significant progress. There is still much to do as we strive to realise our ambitions for Bahrain. But today it is important that we acknowledge our achievements as a nation and prepare for the hard work ahead. National Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the clear purpose of the reform programme, which is to bring real benefit to Bahrain’s citizens. ”

The decade of reforms began with the accession of H.M. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in 1999. 2001 saw the publication of the National Action Charter, which set out the key principles for the government of Bahrain, including the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, parliamentary elections and universal suffrage for men and women. The National Action Charter was ratified by national referendum later that year with 98.4 percent of voters in favour.

The first parliamentary elections were held in October 2002, with parliament sitting for the first time in November. Six women were appointed to the upper chamber of parliament, the Shura Council, recognising the important contribution of women in Bahrain. 2002 also saw the establishment of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). Under the chairmanship of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, the EDB acts as an agent of change by formulating and overseeing the economic strategy of Bahrain.

The same year saw the de-regulation of the telecommunications sector and establishment of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

In 2003 the Bahrain Tender Board was set up to ensure transparency, fairness and equal opportunity across all public sector and government transactions, while 2004 brought the appointment of the first woman government minister - Dr Nada Haffadh - as Health Minister. Bahrain also launched a programme of labour market reforms, including the creation of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and Tamkeen, Bahrain’s independent authority which formulates strategic and operational plans to invest in Bahraini employability (formerly the Labour Fund). A free trade agreement with the USA was also signed.

A programme of education and training reforms was launched in 2005, leading to the creation of the Polytechnic, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), and Bahrain Teachers College.   The same year, Shura Council member Alice Samaan became the first woman to chair a parliamentary session in the Arab world.

Eighteen female candidates contested Bahrain's second parliamentary elections on 25 November 2006, with one winning a seat. The same year saw the establishment of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company – a government owned holding company – to own and manage government shares in a range of industries.

In 2008, H.M. King Hamad launched Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and National Economic Strategy, with the overall goal of doubling household income by 2030.   The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ranked Bahrain fourth of 155 countries worldwide for its efforts in building the capabilities of women in 2009. Bahrain also became the first Gulf state to allow foreign workers to move freely between jobs without the consent of their previous employer. The new Khalifa bin Salman Port (KBSP) was also opened in 2009. With an annual capacity of more than 1.1 million TEUs annually, the state-of-the-art port further cements Bahrain’s position as a major logistics hub for the Gulf and wider Middle East region.

“Bahrain’s approach has always been to put the right reforms in place to encourage sustainable growth and development,” said Shaikh Mohammed.   “Our achievements so far provide strong foundations for further reform and development. But we are not complacent. There is still a lot to do. We are pleased that the EDB has been able to play a role and are committed to achieving more in the future.

“Vision 2030 and the National Economic Strategy aim to create greater opportunity for all Bahrainis by building a stronger, sustainable economy. We also aim to continue to develop opportunities for the private sector as it has an important role to play as the engine of growth and productivity in Bahrain.    We are investing in our infrastructure as well as our people. Together, our strong track record, proven regulation and low operating costs make Bahrain an attractive place for international businesses to access the GCC, a nearly trillion dollar market that is predicted to grow strongly in the coming years alongside the likes of China and India.

“We will continue to introduce the right political, economic and social reforms at the right time; to benefit all of Bahrain’s people by ensuring the Kingdom maintains its course of steady progress and sustainable growth that we have witnessed under H.M. King Hamad for the last ten years.”

Global Arab Network

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