An ambitious five-year national economic and social development strategy for Bahrain was given the green light yesterday.

Details of the 2009-2014 development plan were unveiled as Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting at Gudaibiya Palace.

The Economic Development Board executive committee has already studied the plan.

'The strategy will herald a new era for economic and social work and translate the aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad,' the Premier said.

'It will also answer the government's economic and social goals, based on its performance', he added.

He also extended thanks to Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and EDB chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his efforts and co-operation with the government to embark on this 'ambitious strategy'.-TradeArabia News Service