MPs have been urged to allow the planting and production of tobacco in Bahrain, as well as the commercial manufacture of alternative nicotine substances such as e-cigarette liquid.
Parliament is due to vote on the suggestion after its summer recess ends next month – and the government is keen to push ahead with the idea.
However, a committee of MPs charged with reviewing the proposal remains reluctant to sanction it.
The Health Ministry has voiced its support for the plan in a letter submitted to parliament earlier this month.
However, it said this did not mean it was softening its stance on the use of harmful substances like tobacco.
“Licensing of companies will be done under strict controls by the ministry and permission won’t be issued without Cabinet approval, following a careful technical assessment,” said the ministry.
“Combating the use of tobacco will continue, according to tough conditions contained in the law.”
Bahrain’s 2009 law on smoking and tobacco control would have to be amended by MPs before the commercial production, distribution and export of tobacco products and alternative nicotine substances could go ahead.
Both the Cabinet and the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission are supporting the change.
However, parliament’s services committee continues to express reservations.
“Bahrain has limited land available for agriculture and, if we sanction the move, we are taking away vital areas that could be used to boost food sustainability,” said committee vice-chairman MP Mamdooh Al Saleh.
“Tobacco fields stretch for acres. Honestly, we see this as a missed opportunity to promote agriculture that is beneficial.
“However, the government insists that things could co-exist.
“Even if we change our minds, what guarantees can the Health Ministry give us that tobacco fields will be properly monitored to ensure cannabis is not grown?”
He added the parliament committee was prepared to meet government officials for further discussions.
“We are willing to sit down with the (Health) Ministry and maybe reach an agreement on amendments that would satisfy everyone,” he said.
However, some MPs support the idea based on the commercial opportunities it offers.
“Bahrain already imports tobacco of all types from around the globe,” said MP Ahmed Al Salloom, a café owner and therefore a large importer of sheesha tobacco.
“Producing it here is not an issue since there is no ban on tobacco.
“Production here would allow the Health Ministry to govern tobacco sold, based on its own specifications and standards.
“It would create thousands of jobs and generate huge income. Bahrain is sunny most of the year, an excellent destination to plant and harvest tobacco.
“Bahraini sheesha flavours are well known, despite no longer being produced here. Why not actually have them come from here?”
Mr Al Salloom is also chairman of the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society and a board member at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“Should Bahrain miss this opportunity then others in the region will jump on the bandwagon,” he warned.
“Some brands are already produced in the UAE and Oman. We should be pushing to have a share in this industry.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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