Bahrain Chamber chairman Nabeel Kanoo announced that the number of applicants for membership in the 12 sectoral committees for the 31st term of the board of directors reached 644, representing an 84 per cent increase compared to the previous term, which saw 350 applicants.
The announcement came as the nomination period closed. Mr Kanoo emphasised that the high turnout reflects the growing confidence of the business community in the Chamber and demonstrates the business owners’ understanding of the importance of sectoral committees as a key pillar for participating in developing the business environment and formulating visions and initiatives that support the private sector.
Kano emphasised that the sectoral committees serve as the advisory arm of the Chamber’s board of directors, playing a pivotal role in studying the issues and challenges facing various economic sectors, identifying their needs, and submitting their views and recommendations to the board and relevant authorities. This contributes to developing legislation, improving the business environment, and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy.
He explained that opening nominations stemmed from the board’s vision to develop and restructure the sectoral committees to meet the needs of the private sector and enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. This included establishing a specialised committee for traditional markets, given their economic and commercial importance and their role in preserving Bahrain’s commercial heritage.
A committee for pearls, gold, and jewellery was also created, underscoring the importance of this sector as one of Bahrain’s historical and economic pillars, and its role in supporting commercial activity and strengthening the kingdom’s position as a leading regional centre for the pearl, gold, and jewellery trade.
Furthermore, the aim was to broaden participation and leverage national expertise and talent, enabling business owners to actively contribute to formulating initiatives and proposals that serve the private sector and reinforce its role as a key partner in the economic development process, through the House of Merchants, the representative of the private sector in the kingdom.
He added that this large number of applicants confirms the success of the board’s approach to strengthening institutional work, establishing a culture of participation, and providing opportunities for individuals with diverse expertise and specialisations to contribute to the work of the committees. This ensures broader representation of various economic sectors and enriches their work with unique perspectives and experiences.
He noted that the Co-ordinating Committee and the Chamber’s working team have begun reviewing and studying the applications according to clear criteria based on competence, experience and specialisation. This ensures the selection of members capable of contributing effectively to the work of the committees and achieving balanced representation of various economic sectors.
He added that the next phase will witness the completion of the procedures for forming the sectoral committees according to the approved regulations and standards. This will ensure optimal utilisation of national talent and specialised expertise, enhance the effectiveness of the committees in fulfilling their roles, and enable them to keep pace with the aspirations of the business community and contribute effectively to supporting the private sector and developing the business environment.
In closing, Mr Kanoo expressed thanks and appreciation to all business owners who submitted nomination applications, stressing that this interaction reflects the spirit of national responsibility and keenness to participate in serving the private sector and the national economy, and expressing his confidence that the current session will witness a new stage of effective institutional work, which will enhance the role of sectoral committees in supporting the work of the Chamber and contributing to the development of the business environment in the kingdom.
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