MANAMA: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) chairman Sameer Nass, who is also chairman of Federation of GCC Chambers, has asserted the importance of unifying economic policies to invigorate trade and investments and stimulate the economic development of the Arab region.
This came during the 131st board meeting of the Union of Arab Chambers held in Dubai.
Mr Nass underlined the economic potentials of the Arab region and the importance of synergy to streamline trade and partnerships among countries in the region.
He also underlined the importance of joining efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals, bolster the region and stimulate its economic growth.
Talking about the coronavirus pandemic and its repercussions which revealed a gap in food security, calling for more collaboration among the Arab countries and the need to encourage more investments and partnerships in agriculture and the food industry.
Mr Nass also highlighted the role of Arab chambers and unions and federations of chambers, and their potential in fostering cooperation among countries of the region and encouraging bilateral trade.
Similarly, Bahrain Chamber’s first vice-chairman Khalid Najibi reaffirmed the importance of eliminating all hurdles curbing the bilateral trade among Arab countries, stressing on the importance of devising common economic policies and joining efforts to streamline the flow of investments and encourage partnerships.
Mr Najibi reinstated the importance of creating a common market for the Arab countries, bolstering economic cooperation, and expediting the transformation to digital economy.
Meanwhile, during the 109th session of the International Labour Conference held virtually, Bahrain Chamber board member and alternate member of West Asian Business Group of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Sonya Janahi highlighted the pioneering standing of Bahrain in the field of labour.
Ms Janahi affirmed that Bahrain’s labour laws and legislations contributed to securing appropriate work conditions to all, in line with the sustainable development goals and Vision 2030.
She cited a number of laws in this respect including insurance against unemployment, the alternative sanctions, policies on combating poverty and supporting low-income people, in addition to laws on equal opportunities to name a few.
Ms Janahi touched upon the strides taken by the government of Bahrain to ensure the well-being of the people during the pandemic, which included a BD4.5 billion support package extended to individuals and establishments to counter the financial repercussions of the pandemic and support the sustainability of businesses.
She also highlighted Bahrain Chamber’s role during the pandemic, which came to complement the efforts of the government in true manifestation of public-private partnership.
Stressing on the importance of implementing the recommendations of the conference to ensure appropriate and just work conditions to employees all around the world, Ms Janahi also hailed the pivotal role of the Supreme Council for women in empowering women to play a fundamental role in economic development.
avinash@gdn.com.bh
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