The Cabinet yesterday approved a recommendation to reduce infrastructure tax from BD12 to BD10 per square metre, provided the fee is paid in full at the time permit is issued, based on recommendations by the Government Executive Committee, chaired by the Crown Prince.
The session, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, also approved facilitating financing from commercial banks through building permits system “Benayat” in instalments, while also keeping the option to pay in three instalments at a rate of BD12 per square metre.
The proposal also includes introducing the three payment options on Benayat’s website in co-operation with the Information and eGovernment Authority, and amendment of Resolution 11 for the year 2017, which governs how the categories are determined and regulates a mechanism for recovering the cost of building and infrastructure development.
The approval follows a memorandum submitted by Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Financial Balance chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, said Cabinet secretary general Dr Yasser Al Nasser.
The meeting congratulated His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, and the people of Bahrain ahead of the December 16 and 17 national celebrations.
They mark the anniversary of the establishment of Bahrain as an Arab and Muslim country in 1783 by Ahmed Al Fateh, the 48th Anniversary of Bahrain’s accession to the UN as a full member, and the 20th Anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne.
The Cabinet praised Bahrain’s comprehensive development in all fields under the leadership of the King and affirmed the country’s advancement towards even greater stability and prosperity based on solid political, legal, economic and social institutions.
The session recalled with pride sacrifices made by those who have fallen in service to protect the kingdom and its people, stressing that they will always be remembered.
The Cabinet welcomed the convening of the 40th GCC Summit in Riyadh, presided over by Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and wished Bahrain’s delegation, led by His Majesty, every success.
The meeting highlighted the King’s patronage of the celebrations of the centenary of Bahrain Police, and extended its congratulations to all members of the Interior Ministry on Bahrain Police Day, celebrated on 14th of December. The Cabinet went on to praise the role of the ministry’s personnel in safeguarding the kingdom’s security and stability.
The ministers expressed appreciation for the support extended by the King to Bahrain’s youth and sports sector, praising the successful hosting of the Ironman Middle East Championship, which demonstrated the country’s ability to organise prestigious international events.
The Cabinet praised Bahrain’s national football team on their victory at the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, a result which ranks alongside Bahrain’s greatest sporting achievements. The meeting also highlighted that the victory exemplifies the concept of Team Bahrain and lauded the passion and commitment of everyone involved, including administrative staff, coaches and the players.
The Cabinet hailed the winners of the Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship, held under the patronage of the Crown Prince, and praised their contribution to economic diversification and innovation within the private sector.
The ministers praised Bahrain’s hosting of the 26th Annual World Islamic Banking Conference, held under the patronage of the Prime Minister, welcoming the Kingdom’s position as a hub for Islamic banks.
The Cabinet approved the government’s draft response to the Parliament proposal to increase monthly benefits paid to people with disabilities to BD200. It follows the recommendations of the Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Fiscal Balance, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.
The session approved Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) between Bahrain and Pakistan. They were presented by the Foreign Minister and set the framework for co-operation in health, media, education, youth, and sports.
The Cabinet approved an agreement and an MoU between Bahrain and Brunei Darussalam. They were also presented by the Foreign Minister and set the framework for establishing a joint committee for bilateral co-operation.
&uuid=(email))