The event will be attended by a selection of companies specializing in the construction and building sector from the Turkish Republic, the Peoples’ Republic of China and the GCC countries in addition to companies operating in this sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“The Forum aimed at activating partnerships with the private sector,” said Minister of Housing Engineer Bassam bin Yagoub Al-Hamar emphasized that the forum constitutes one of creative solutions adopted by the Ministry of Housing in order for the future social housing in the Kingdom of Bahrain to see short term waiting lists, and for supporting and implementation of housing projects geared at solving the housing issues’ file through attracting local, GCC and overseas companies and investors to the side of the Ministry for construction and building of housing projects.
The Ministry will provide all the appropriate facilities, services and conditions for this purpose.
The Minister added that the forum’s concept comes in compliance with the noble directive of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the wise government to find solutions for the housing file with the maximum possible speed in order to meet all applications on the waiting list in line with current policy of engaging the private sector in the housing projects to expedite the wheel of housing development and to complement the government initiatives in providing dignified housing for Bahraini citizens .
The Minister cited the forum as the beginning of implementation of the national consensus dialogue views conceded during the debate sessions on the housing theme.
The Minister also praised the fruitful cooperation between the Ministry of Housing and the EDB in organizing Bahrain Social Housing Forum. He pointed out to the harmony and compatibility between Ministry of Housing and EDB in terms of the objectives intended to be realized from this event. The finding of solution to the housing problem contributes into Bahrain Vision 2030 and provides opportunities for investment on this vital sector and renews international investors’ trust on the currently rebounding Bahraini economy.
“There’s imperative need for the private sector to become a strategic partner with the government in implementing development plans and to become a major contributor in rendering the highest standard services to citizens,” the EDB’s CEO Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, said.
This in turn, he said, leads to boosting the organizational and supervisory role of the government in order to upgrade quality standards and the private sector shall work according to the principle of competitiveness so as to upgrade the quality of its products and services.
The EDB’s CEO remarked that the organizing of specialized forums such as the housing forum provide the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas among the experts and investors in the private and public sector. He added that Bahrain enjoys a free, promising, investor-attractive economic environment.
“This indeed encouraged overseas companies to express their desire to implement housing projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain and to expand their activities in the Kingdom of Bahrain in particular and in the GCC region in general,” he said.
The one-day long forum will see presentations and working papers on the most suitable investment opportunities available for the private sector in order to be involved in the social housing market as well as discussion groups among participating potential investors and international companies and government officials.