Bahrain Minister of Works Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf on Wednesday outlined his vision for the Kingdom's infrastructure upgrade which includes major highways with uninterrupted traffic flows connecting all major areas.

Khalaf revealed details of upgrades to Bahrain’s roads and infrastructure while speaking at a luncheon meeting hosted by the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel in Manama.

Addressing an audience of almost 200 BBBF members and their guests, Khalaf said the Ministry had awarded 33 tenders worth BD29.1 million ($77.2 million) in the first quarter, and invited bids on another 20 tenders for a total value of nearly BD29.7 million.

'Further, in 2011 the ministry awarded a total of 89 tenders at a value of BD132 million and also invited bids on 104 tenders worth BD100 million.

This was a very positive development and represents an increase of 25 per cent over 2010, notwithstanding the very difficult period the nation went through.

The minister pointed out that despite several issues, the works continued throughout, and no projects were interrupted.

Khalaf then engaged the audience, which included Britain’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Iain Lindsay and BBBF chairman, Khalid Al Zayani, in a lively question and answer session.

Thanking the minister, BBBF chairman Khalid Al Zayani said, 'We very much appreciate the efforts of Minister of Works in engaging the Bahrain and British business communities in this way.'

'Our understanding of the ministry’s plans and constraints will go a long way to further enhancing business between our two nations and will help to make the 2030 Economic Vision a reality,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service