EDB discusses 2011 executive plan
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Economic Development Board (EDB) Chairman urged today to step up measures to ensure food safety by drawing up the necessary plans to invest in this vital and sensitive field.
Chairing the EDB meeting today, he stressed the need for national mass media to play an active and interactive role regarding national and social issues.
He directed media bodies to play their part in raising national awareness and highlighting the kingdom’s achievements responsibly and competently.
HRH the Crown Prince underlined the need to further upgrade health services and control them continuously and scientifically due to their sensitive role in ensuring human safety.
He pointed out the need for citizens to share the dividends of their country’s progress and heed the fact that development is a strategic goal set up by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa when launching Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
EDB Chief Executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa gave a thorough presentation on EDB executive plan for 2011 outlining progress of the board’s work from 2004 to 2010.
Achievement made during this phase came under the spotlight alongside reform initiatives launched to clear the way for economic growth and boost investments.
Shaikh Mohammed also highlighted the board’s efforts in launching Business Friendly Bahrain, an international promotional campaign to woo investments.
Updating the national economic strategy in view of the state’s budget for 2011 and 2012 also came under scrutiny alongside educational reforms.
What the EDB has achieved in cooperation with government bodies has paid dividends, Shaikh Mohammed said pointing out an increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the past two years despite the economic downturn, varied exports, more direct foreign investments, diversified economy and rapid growth in many non-oil economic sectors.
There is also an urgent need to develop a new strategy to further stimulate economic growth , he added stressing that all economic and financial challenges have been taken into account to overcome fiscal deficit.
