Bahrain to launch $21m jobs plan

Bahrain’s Cabinet has approved an BD8 million ($21.2 million) plan to train and employ an additional batch of 2,500 university graduates as part of efforts to keep unemployment at "its lowest". Under the plan, the government commits to shoulder in the first year BD200 for each graduate hired by companies and in the second year BD150. The project will meet the costs of training the university graduates. Chaired by Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, the weekly Cabinet meeting approved the project as well as training programmes and budget following a memo submitted by Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan. The government will step up efforts to set the national economy back in motion and spur growth. It charged the ministerial committee for financial and economic affairs to submit a report to the Cabinet, suggesting necessary recommendations. It has been given approval to seek assistance of international expertise to this end. The session followed up the implementation of recommendations in the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) Report at different ministries and government departments. Shaikh Mohammed, also head of a government task force, gave an update on co-ordination with the National Commissions charged with implementing the (BICI) recommendations. He lauded the panel, chaired by Shura Council president Ali Saleh Al Saleh, for co-operating constructively with the government to fulfil its duties. The session reaffirmed its resolve to remove all obstacles the execution of urban projects. A committee made up of officials representing finance, works and municipal and urban planning affairs ministries has been tasked to study the situation of urban projects. The panel has also been charged to find viable alternatives ensuring the completion of all projects to avert any repercussions or negative misinterpretation which have nothing to do with reality. Municipalities could soon be given the authority to immediately stop unlicensed construction works. A memo submitted by Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Dr Juma Al Ka'abi was referred to the legal affairs committee for more scrutiny. The session gave directives to continue developing the oil and gas sector and their vital facilities. Energy Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza submitted a report detailing record figures achieved last year at the Bahrain Oil Field, the refinery and other petroleum companies. A total of 120 industrial projects were licensed last year, pumping up to BD243.5 million into the national economy, said a report submitted by Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro. The session approved a proposal to conduct a study into the economic, social and environmental impact of subsidised oil and gas. A proposal to set up a sport centre for mentally-retarded people also received the go-ahead. The session has also approved a proposal to recruit Bahrainis at ministries and government departments on a temporary basis. – TradeArabia News Service