The Minister outlined his vision for Bahrain’s infrastructure upgrade, which includes major highways with uninterrupted traffic flows connecting all areas of Bahrain, to almost 200 BBBF members and their guests. The Minister then engaged the audience, which included Britain’s Ambassador to Bahrain, HMA Iain Lindsay OBE, and BBBF Chairman, Khalid Al Zayani, in a lively question and answer session.
Khalaf revealed that at the end of Q1 2012, the Ministry has awarded 33 tenders at a value of BD 29.1 million, and invited bids on another 20 tenders for a total value of nearly BD 29.7 million. Further, in 2011 the Ministry awarded 89 tenders at a value of BD 132million and invited bids on 104 tenders at a value of BD100million. This was a very positive development and represents an increase of 25% over 2010, notwithstanding the very difficult period the nation went through. The Minister outlined that works continued throughout, and no projects were interrupted.
“We very much appreciate the efforts ofthe Minister of Works in engaging the Bahrain and British business communities in this way. Our understanding of the Ministry’s plans and constraints will go a long way to further enhancing business between our two nations and will help to make the 2030 Economic Vision a reality,” BBBF Chairman Khalid Al Zayani, said.
The BBBF is a growing network of businessmen and women in Bahrain, which now has over 400 members. The Forum meets on a regular basis and offers opportunities for networking between the Bahrain and British business communities, in addition to guest appearances by private and public sector leaders from both communities.