Bahrain's Master Plan 2030 outlining the country’s development strategies is set for a major review.
The Cabinet told Parliament in writing that a specialised consultancy firm would be assigned by the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry’s Urban Planning and Development Authority to study the document and suggest possible updates.
The focus would be on providing new plots and facilities for investments and industrial projects.
The government revealed the plan in a reply to a parliamentary proposal to build man-made islands for industrial purposes across the country.
“The Detailed Master Plan 2030 includes several locations that are earmarked for industrial and logistic purposes across Bahrain, mainly in Sitra and Hidd,” said the Cabinet.
“However, the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry’s Urban Planning and Development Authority is exploring other locations that can meet future demands, attract innovative investments and international industrial facilities.
“A specialised consultancy firm will review and update the Master Plan to fast-track the country’s progress and strengthen the national economy, while protecting public health and the environment.
“We are seeking to develop the Master Plan further so that the country becomes an attractive destination in the region for industries and businesses, which will result in better employment opportunities and more lucrative income for Bahrainis.”
The government response is set to be debated by newly-elected MPs later this year.
A five-year industrial strategy that would create thousands of jobs and pump millions of dinars into Bahrain’s economy was launched in January this year.
The ambitious 2022-2026 plan revolves around five main points: Strengthening national industries, investing in infrastructure, improving investor experience, guiding Bahrainis professionally, and updating laws and legislation.
Nearly 6,000 new jobs will be created and at least BD679 million is expected to be injected into the national economy during the period.
The blueprint focuses on launching a programme to increase the value of major purchases from local factories, and providing incubation schemes for small and medium industries to encourage creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The strategy also involves expanding Export Bahrain solutions to provide services that will enhance the efficiency of supply chains; developing the ‘Made in Bahrain’ brand by increasing national products and encouraging cadres to join the industrial sector; and launching an Industrial Excellence Award to boost competitiveness among factories and support integration in industries by studying manufacturing gaps locally, regionally and globally.
Besides the existing eight industrial areas in Bahrain, three new ones will be established which will be tailor-made to fit in with the objectives of the Economic Recovery Plan announced by the government last year.
Last December, Bahrain set up a task force to study blueprints of its recently-announced new towns, as reported by the GDN.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who also chairs the High Urban Planning Committee, issued an edict establishing the task force. The team has been assigned to review and study the plans of the proposed cities to be developed in Fasht Al Jarm, Suhaila Island, Fasht Al Azm, Bahrain Bay and Hawar Islands.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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