A NEW ‘smart silk city’ that would attract major investments from the world’s biggest economies, including China, has been planned in Bahrain.
Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal yesterday urged the government to study the proposal which, she said, would enhance trade ties between Bahrain and China and provide more job opportunities to citizens.
“We have to present innovative projects to diversify revenues and achieve fiscal balancing by 2022,” said Ms Zainal on her Instagram account.
“This is one of the many initiatives that are on the table as we work to develop the country.
“This project will strengthen our commercial relationship with the best economies in the world, create more job opportunities, increase national revenues and take the country into the future,” she said.
The new plan follows the success of the Chinese-themed Dragon City, a major wholesale and retail complex in Diyar Al Muharraq.
Popularly dubbed as Bahrain’s very own “China Town,” the multi-million dinar project is built on 115,000 sqm featuring a Dragon Mall, an Asian Dining Street and a car park accommodating 1,500 vehicles.
In 2018, Bahrain signed an agreement with China to join the Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government to invest in nearly 70 countries and international organisations. The project was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013.
MP Dr Abdulla Al Thawadi yesterday told the GDN that the Silk City could serve as a trade hub for Bahrain.
“We are seeking a trade hub similar to those planned by Kuwait and other countries to lure massive investments,” Dr Al Thawadi, who is also backing the proposal, told the GDN.
“Bahrain already signed an agreement with China in 2018 alongside eight other countries to be part of the Belt and Road Initiative, and our proposal will help speed up work,” he added.
Rebuilding
“We have to work faster and attract investments at a time when the world’s economies are rebuilding after the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Meanwhile, MPs will debate 30 government replies to proposals submitted to the Cabinet, during its weekly session on Tuesday.
A proposal for specialist doctors in government-run health centres was rejected due to a lack of budget.
Another plan to allot government homes to journalists and academics – should they get disabled in an accident or die – was also struck down.
The approved proposals include:
1) Inviting those suffering from cancer and chronic diseases to attend football matches;
2) Revamping the East Riffa Central Market;
3) Opening a cattle market and auction centre in the Northern Governorate (studies to include more areas);
4) Opening new sale outlets for productive families over the next three years in the Southern Governorate;
5) Forcing insurance companies not to take money from those not at fault in car accidents.
MPs will also vote to elect four members to the nine-member executive parliamentary committee. Four Shura Council members will also be elected on Sunday.
The executive committee will be headed by National Assembly chairwoman and Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal.
Legislators will also vote on a list of 10 MPs who will draft a reply to His Majesty King Hamad’s address at the opening of the National Assembly’s third session of the fifth legislative term last Sunday.
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