Upcoming development and infrastructure projects worth $22 billion will help Bahrain achieve its goal of sustainable economic growth, the Crown Prince said yesterday (September 9).

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, First Deputy Premier and Economic Development Board (EDB) chairman, was speaking as he chaired the EDB board meeting in Riffa.

"Developing the kingdom's diverse economy would further improve the quality of life for all Bahrainis by creating employment opportunities and attracting more foreign investments," he was quoted as saying by the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

He announced that substantial investment programmes would focus on development projects across the private and public sector - including industrial investment, infrastructure and tourism.

“Increasing competitiveness and identifying investment priorities are necessary for Bahrain's continued economic growth,” the Crown Prince said.

EDB's achievements during the first half of this year were highlighted by acting chief executive Kamal Ahmed, who emphasised that the registration of 21 new companies had created more than 950 jobs. EDB's participation in international events was also highlighted.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince also urged the EDB to collaborate with government entities and private institutions to monitor the implementation of development projects, which are vital for raising the kingdom's competitiveness and efficiency of its public services.

He ordered the formation of a committee under the leadership of Central Bank Governor Rasheed Al Maraj to monitor development programmes in the financial sector.

He further called on the committee charged with tackling congestion at the King Fahad Causeway to continue exploring effective means to further alleviate congestion and facilitate the swift entry of commuters.

Finance Minister and chairman of the EDB committee to tackle causeway congestion Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa outlined the panel's achievements.

He said that waiting time for trucks entering and leaving the kingdom had dropped by 73 per cent while there was also a 90pc decrease in the number of vehicles queuing up to cross the causeway. Inspections are being conducted to ease the flow of goods and services, he added. - TradeArabia News Service