The traditional suq in Manama is to be promoted as a major tourism destination.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa ordered all facilities and services to be provided for the comfort of tourists and shoppers.

HRH the Premier gave his instructions as he chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting at Gudaibiya Palace.

The session discussed a report submitted by Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro and Municipal and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Dr Jumaa Al Ka'abi. It contains minutes of their meeting with representatives of Manama suq traders. The meeting was convened following directives from HRH the Premier to gauge traders' needs in terms of facilities and services and turn the iconic market into a tourism and commercial destination.

The session decided to set up a high-level multi-party technical panel to follow up on the suq's needs.

It includes senior officials from the ministries of Industry and Commerce, Municipal and Urban Affairs, Works, Interior, Culture and Social Development.

Electricity and Water Authority, Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry representatives and Manama suq traders are also represented.-TradeArabia News Service