This is to ensure policies fulfill their principal purpose, which is to drive government strategy towards further development within a solid, diversified economic structure.
As part of a series of visits to government ministries, His Royal Highness said that the interests and needs of the general public are the highest priority for the government, as directed by His Majesty King Hamad and led by His Royal Highness the Prime Minister. “This principle must underpin all discussions and decisions on the state budget,” HRH asserted.
Particular priority must be given to projects that directly affect citizens and the services provided, His Royal Highness added, noting that allocated funds for subsidized basic commodities must be allocated according to clearly defined criteria. His Royal Highness further added that over the next three years there will be large budgets allocated, in addition to the funds provided by the GCC development fund, which will positively affect the national economy.
His Royal Highness thanked the Gulf States for their continued support in the development of Bahrain, and stressed the importance of ensuring funds are focused on generating sustainable development for the Kingdom and its people.
During a meeting with the Minister and senior staff of the ministry, His Royal Highness said that reaching the desired level of progress requires further coordination amongst government entities with clearly defined roles and responsibilities in order to ensure there is no overlap, therefore saving time and resources. His Royal Highness further emphasized the importance of monitoring and regulating expenditure whilst implementing new policies to further generate revenue; this approach must be closely scrutinised with means for monitoring accountability to ensure there are no violations in the allocation of resources. Effective management of public funds will result in higher productivity and motivation.
His Royal Highness also discussed the importance of fulfilling government commitments with the private sector promptly in order to ensure a positive relationship between the public and the private sector, in a manner that both promotes growth and maintains a strong relationship between the two.
During the visit, His Royal Highness was briefed by the Minister of Finance, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and senior staff on the structure of the ministry and its plans for implementing fiscal policies, preparing the state budget and other priorities within the ministry. His Royal Highness then took a tour of the ministry, where he met staff and discussed their roles within the ministry; His Royal Highness showed appreciation for the efforts and dedication of all the staff.
His Royal Highness also noted the efforts of the ministry in implementing the government project to replace conventional lighting with highly efficient energy saving bulbs, as led by the Electricity and Water Authority, noting that all ministries should apply the energy saving system.
Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa thanked His Royal Highness for the visit and invaluable input towards promoting the work of the ministry; and expressed appreciation for the series of field visits which help towards encouraging productivity and boosting motivation for civil servants.