‘Bahrain committed to retail sector reforms’

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, yesterday promised continuous improvement in the Kingdom’s regulatory framework “to encourage investment in world-class entertainment and lifestyle projects.” 

Acknowledging the important role retail sector plays in job creation, Prince Salman said that the sector generates “25 percent of the Bahraini private sector employment.”

His Royal Highness was addressing the opening ceremony of Bahrain’s newest shopping landmark, The Avenues mall in Manama.

Extending over an area of 1.5km alongside the King Faisal Corniche, with 50pc of its retail space dedicated to restaurants and cafes, the Avenues mall project creates over 4,000 job opportunities in the Kingdom. 

HRH emphasised that developing Bahrain’s core economic sectors is a central pillar of the Kingdom’s sustainable development programme, led by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Bahrain’s strategic location and long-established regulatory framework, Prince Salman said, has repeatedly attracted large-scale projects for the benefit of all, and “will continue to do so into the future.”

HRH CP, however, added that work must continue at the same pace to cement the Kingdom’s international and regional standing.

The Crown Prince praised the unique architectural design of the new shopping and leisure complex and said, “Bahrain is committed to advancing its key economic sectors and bolstering regional competitiveness.” 

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, son of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, and other senior officials accompanied the Crown Prince during the opening ceremony.