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The recent regional volatility following Iranian attacks has sent tremors through Bahrain’s marketplace.
As trade routes face disruption and operational costs climb, our economy finds itself at a familiar crossroads.
Four Members of Parliament have rightly recognised this strain, submitting an urgent proposal to waive electricity, water, municipal and labour fees for six months. However, while the initiative is commendable, its current scope is dangerously narrow.
To truly safeguard Bahrain’s economic future, the government must revive the comprehensive ‘pandemic-style’ safety net and ensure it covers every investor contributing to our GDP - regardless of the colour of their passport.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Bahrain set a gold standard for crisis management. The government intervened with utility waivers, loan deferrals and rental assistance that kept the private sector on life support.
Today’s disruption requires that same decisive toolkit. High fixed costs and dwindling cash flows are once again threatening to shutter SMEs and trigger job losses. A temporary suspension of fees isn’t just ‘breathing space’; it may be the difference between survival and insolvency.
However, the current parliamentary proposal specifically targets Bahraini-owned firms. This distinction is a strategic error. The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) must step up and strongly advocate for the interests of all businesspersons.
Expat investors are not mere guests in our economy; they are foundational pillars. They run the shops, manage the factories, and employ thousands of people.
When an expat-owned business fails due to rising costs, the impact on the supply chain and the wider economy is identical to that of a Bahraini-owned firm.
The BCCI, as a true representative of the private sector, must champion inclusivity. Discrimination in economic relief sends the wrong message to the international investment community. Economic stability is indivisible; you cannot protect one half of the market while leaving the other to drown.
The government must act swiftly to implement a universal safety net, including utility relief, loan restructuring, and rental gaps, for all registered businesses. By supporting every investor, Bahrain will not only stabilise its current market but also reinforce its reputation as a fair, resilient and globally-competitive business hub.
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