Bahrain has topped the region for ease of dealing with construction permits, while maintaining its 2013 performance ranking fourth globally, according to the World Bank Doing Business 2014.

Convened for its weekly meeting, the Cabinet hailed this performance, which recognises Bahrain's competitive edge in issuing construction permits and slashing waiting time, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Chaired by HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the session commended efforts of the Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry.

It hailed the steadily-expanding areas allocated for investment projects which are evenly distributed among all five governorates.

A total of 727 permits were issued last year, giving the green light for construction projects covering 2.3 million sq m.

A report submitted by Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Dr Juma Al Ka'abi shows the overall value of investment projects topped BD800 million ($2.07 billion) last year.

HRH the Premier also gave directives to survey abandoned and dilapidated buildings in old districts.

He assigned the Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry to co-ordinate with municipal councils to find solutions to derelict premises.

The Premier directed that housing projects in Zallaq, Jaw, Askar and Hamala be speeded up so that units can be distributed in time. – TradeArabia News Service