Unified national exam system to be set up

Manama : A unified national examination system will be developed under the supervision of National Authority for Qualifications and Quality Assurance of education and Training (QQA). It is expected to be completed by 2020.

The development comes after a proposal presented by Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa was approved by the regular weekly Cabinet session yesterday.

The move is expected to enhance the quality of education, ensure non-repetition of exams and improve the level of schooling according to the best international practices.

The Cabinet session, chaired by Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, was also attended by Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Moving ahead, the session reviewed labour market indicators for the second quarter of 2016.

According to the figures presented by the Minister of Labour and Social Development and Board Chairman of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Jameel Humaidan, the salaries of the national workforce at the private sector increased by 22 per cent. They also showed that the overall size of the workforce had gone up by 6.3pc in the second quarter of this year, compared with the same period in 2015.

The report also revealed the success of the private sector in generating 136,000 jobs over the past five years, including 44,000 in 2015. 

The Cabinet also urged Muslims to draw lessons from the Hijrah (Migration) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina to strengthen their unity and foster their solidarity and fraternity, Cabinet Secretary General of Cabinet Dr. Yasser bin Essa Al Naser, said in a statement following the session.

Draft decree-laws on protected cell companies endorsed

While reviewing the memoranda on its agenda, the weekly Cabinet endorsed three draft decree-laws  concerning protected cell companies,  financial trusts and amending Decree-Law 14/1971 regarding documentation.

The draft decree-laws were recommended by the Executive Committee, led by Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. 

The move aimed to consolidate the growth-stimulating environment, increase the role of the private sector, enhance trade exchange and boost investment.

The laws were  approved in line with the citizen-oriented development goals determined by the Government Forum 2016 in accordance with the Economic Vision for Bahrain 2030.