Bahrain’s Premier yesterday called for more government efficiency to reduce public debt and budget deficit, saying that they must be kept at manageable levels to protect the Kingdom’s economy and maintain confidence in it.

"Spending on unnecessary things must stop. Public funds must be preserved by avoiding extravagance and luxury in equipping government buildings and offices," he said.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa also said that developmental projects included in the government's work plan are being implemented according to their importance and availability of funding.

He praised the GCC Development Programme, given its key role in expediting implementation of service projects. Other government programmes and strategies for upgrading citizens' standards of living, achieving sustainable development and spurring the national economy were also hailed. – TradeArabia News Service