MANAMA: MPs yesterday demanded a new ‘limited rescue package’ as they brainstormed ways to help struggling businesses in the wake of continuing Covid-19 restrictions.
A request has been made by 27 MPs led by Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Mohammed Al Sissi to hold a joint meeting between legislators and the government as soon as possible.
Parliament’s general secretariat, chaired by Speaker Fouzia Zainal, held an urgent meeting to draw up ideas and suggestions that will be presented to the government.
Present were the two deputies and five committee chairmen, alongside senior Parliament officials.
“Affected sectors have to be offered support and we believe that a new limited rescue package that caters for particular businesses and services could help prevent any sharp downfall in the economy,” said Ms Zainal.
“There are several ideas and scenarios that we need government feedback on and for that we are requesting an urgent meeting.”
Parliament first vice-chairman Abdulnabi Salman said the government was under huge financial strain with limited resources due to the current coronavirus situation, but everything had to be considered to ensure the economy does not fall apart.
“There is no money within the budget that could be redirected towards affected businesses, but there are funds like Tamkeen, Unemployment and Future Generations that perhaps could be used,” he said.
“Reducing, slashing and even waiving government fees such as commercial registrations, renewals, electricity and water, municipal, labour and others could also be considered.
“We want to prevent any chance of a domino effect because if one sector falls, the whole economy suffers with everyone fearing what comes next.”
The current extended restrictions which will continue for four weeks until June 25 have seen shopping malls, cinemas, non-essential outlets, gyms, barber shops and hair salons, plus restaurants and cafes closed, although deliveries are allowed.
Mr Al Sissi said the economy was so connected that damage to one area quickly spills over to other sectors.
“Something has to be done before businesses go bankrupt and jobs are lost for good,” he said.
“Another limited package of support in these extraordinary times may help curtail disaster for some businesses already hit by earlier Covid-19 restrictions, especially as another two weeks of closure has now been extended to four. We don’t know what will come next.”
&uuid=(email))