Bahrain is set to create a youth fund to implement key recommendations in a bid to boost the role played by youngsters in the country's economic development, according to a top official.

It will follow up on proposals laid out in a report drafted for His Majesty King Hamad, which highlights concerns raised by young people during national discussions held after last year's unrest.

It comes as efforts to broaden the country's range of youth programmes and initiatives are being stepped up to involve Bahraini youth in the decision-making process, said Supreme Council for Youth and Sport chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Programmes including educational, youth empowerment and sporting initiatives form a key component of Bahrain's long-term economic development plan, Economic Vision 2030.

Shaikh Nasser was speaking to global publishing, research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group (OBG) in an interview. 'It is my responsibility to implement the solutions that we came up with,' he said.

'We also received approval to create a youth fund to help with implementing these recommendations,' he stated.

Shaikh Nasser, who is also a member of the Economic Development Board, says it is important to steer young people towards a more active role in society.

'Every project we pursue has some link, as young people form the cornerstone of any ongoing development,' he said.

'The aim is to equip them with the sort of skills that will help them succeed in the future and meet the demands of the local market in line with Vision 2030.'

The full interview will appear in The Report: Bahrain 2012, which is OBG's forthcoming guide on the country's economic activity and investment opportunities.

It will include a detailed, sector-by-sector guide for foreign investors, as well as a wide range of interviews with prominent political, economic and business leaders, including inJAz Bahrain executive director Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser said Bahrain is working to cement its reputation as a host destination for high-profile sporting events, which could be a key factor in driving tourism growth.

'Bahrain had the pleasure of hosting the first-ever 2011 GCC Games, which proved to be a great success, and the 2012 Formula One World Championship,' he said.

'We are also pleased to host the 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations,' he remarked. 'The economic impact of hosting such large-scale events is beneficial for the country and creates additional job opportunities for young people,' he added.

The report, which will be available in hardcopy or online, will provide information on opportunities for foreign direct investment into Bahrain's economy and will act as a guide to the country's macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and public and private sector developments.

It was compiled after a team of analysts spent six months researching and gathering information about Bahrain.-TradeArabia News Service