Bahrain has signed a key agreement with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) which will see the implementation of a four-year development assistance plan for the kingdom.

The UNDP Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) was co-signed by Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and UN resident co-ordinator and UNDP resident representative Sayed Aqa.

'This four-year action plan is a framework detailing the main areas of focus in support of national development priorities and the Vision 2030,' said Aqa.

The CPAP has been jointly prepared by the government and UNDP with important inputs from all stakeholders including non-governmental organisations and other UN agencies.

It builds on the Country Programme Document that was developed based on extensive consultations with key partners in the government and civil society, said Aqa.

'Specific programmes and projects for each year will be identified through a consultative process,' he said.

'However, the broader programme areas include participatory governance, enhanced transparency, gender equality and empowerment, particularly women and youth.

'It will also cover environment friendly economic growth and employment.

'UNDP will continue to partner with government ministries, national institutions, the private sector and NGOs to meeting the objectives of this co-operation agreement in support of Vision 2030 and serve the people of Bahrain.'-TradeArabia News Service