HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister chairs the weekly Cabinet Meeting

Manama, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today chaired the weekly Cabinet Meeting at Gudaibiya Palace. The Cabinet commended the recent address of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during an event honouring parents and top-performing students across educational levels, praising students' distinguished achievements due to the Kingdom's robust educational sector. The Cabinet emphasised the importance of HM the King's address, which noted that upskilling Bahraini citizens remains a cornerstone of the Kingdom's comprehensive development. The Cabinet also noted HM the King's address on the role of education in combatting extremism, promoting social cohesion, which safeguard national stability. The Cabinet also noted HM the King's emphasis on Bahrain's call for global peace and stressed the importance of the national responsibility in preserving the Kingdom's national assets, highlighting that the unity of its people is a national duty. On the occasion of His Majesty the King's Royal Order calling for the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives to convene, the Cabinet underscored the importance of His Majesty the King's forthcoming address, which will kickstart the third session of the sixth legislative term. This address is expected to strengthen collaboration between the Executive and Legislative. In addition, the Cabinet directed the relevant government ministerial committees to enhance work between both authorities for the benefit of all. The Cabinet then discussed several memorandums during the meeting, approving the following: 1. A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Fiscal Balance regarding negotiations for a free trade agreement between the GCC countries and the United Kingdom. 2. A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Fiscal Balance regarding the quarterly economic report for the first half of 2024, which showed a 2.3% annua l GDP at constant prices, supported by a 3.1% increase in non-oil activities. In addition, non-Bahrainis working in the private sector saw a reduction of 2.1%. 3. A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Finance and National Economy and the Minister of Industry and Commerce regarding a resolution by the GCC Standing Committee for Combating Harmful Practices in International Trade to impose anti-dumping duties on several GCC imports. 4. A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Industry and Commerce regarding two draft resolutions to develop commercial registration procedures. 5. A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding three proposals and two laws presented by the Council of Representatives. The Cabinet reviewed the following: 1. A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) on the implementation of the Labour Registration Program, since its launch of the pro gramme until September 2024, there was a reduction of 63% in the number of irregular workers from 95,721 to 35,640 and a 98% increase in compliant establishments. The program conducted a total of 93,154 inspections. 2. A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning regarding developments on the Government Land Development Rights Program. The Cabinet noted the following ministerial reports: 1. Outcomes of Bahrain's participation at the Third Asian Cooperation Dialogue Summit. 2. Outcomes of Bahrain's participation in the Extraordinary 45th Ministerial Council Meeting. 3. Outcomes of the 122nd Meeting of the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee of the GCC. 4. Outcomes of the 10th meeting of the Ministers Responsible for Islamic Affairs and Endowments in the GCC. Source: Bahrain News Agency