Bahrain prodictivity conference attracts outstanding private sector participation

The announcement came from Mr. Abdulellah Al-Qassimi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Labour Fund, during a press conference held yesterday at the BCCI headquarters.

Mr. Al-Qassimi revealed that,

"Despite the short period of time since officially announcing the Conference, a large number of local SMEs have already indicated their participation- particularly following the success achieved by the ten companies that took part in the pilot phase of the Productivity Improvement Program."

Mr. Al-Qassimi also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to H.E. Dr. Fakhro, for his kind patronage of the landmark Conference, and for the far-reaching support which the program has received from the BCCI.

In response, H.E. Dr. Fakhro said, he was honoured to be the patron of such a conference which is regarded a milestone among projects which provide viable support to the private sector, and spur the development of domestic productivity, and the Kingdom's economy.

H.E. Dr. Fakhro further commented on the Productivity Improvement Program saying, "The program signifies the inclination of the political direction towards bolstering the private sector, by adopting programs specifically designed to support SMEs. Furthermore, efforts to develop and improve productivity in these enterprises, allows SMEs to contribute to total national productivity. This program clearly falls within the framework of initiatives taken to stimulate the private sector's role and enabling it to become the driving force behind the Kingdom's economy."

H.E. Dr. Fakhro added that the program, "Represents the crowning glory of the collaboration between the BCCI and the Labour Fund-, and embodies the full cooperation between public and private sectors, and their complementary relationship in fostering national growth, and achieving fixed economic and social stability.

"I urge SMEs to participate in the program, which will be officially launched at the Bahrain Productivity Conference, in order to increase productivity by developing products, as well as operational, and marketing strategies," H.E. Dr. Fakhro concluded.

Mr. Younis Al Hermi, Private Sector Enterprise Development Manager, Labour Fund, announced that a temporary website has been officially launched for those wishing to register online for the Conference, and also comprises full details on the Conference agenda, speakers and other details. The website is: www.eventscom.net/eds

Mr. Hermi also highlighted, the opening of the newly established Labour Fund-EDB counter in the Bahrain Investor Centre (BIC), located in Seef Mall, "This will allow interested participants to register for both the Program and for the Conference, in addition to providing them with comprehensive information on the Conference and the Productivity Program."

Mr. Hermi communicated his hopes for the targeted participants- including all stakeholders, decision- makers, and businesspersons of the local private sector sectors, to take part in the Conference thereby enhancing it with their valuable insights and comments.

Mr. Mohammed Jaffar, Manager, Enterprise Development Support at the Labour Fund, presented the results of recent focus group meetings which were held at the BCCI headquarters, and attended by a group of stakeholders comprising: decision makers; business people spanning the local private sector; consultants specialized in productivity development; as well as local economic experts and officials.

Mr. Jaffar revealed that the focus group meetings highlighted several obstacles impeding productivity improvement in Bahrain- chiefly the deficiency of adequately accurate accounting systems- both manual and automated. The focus group also defined three problematic work areas hindering productivity improvement: Human Resources Systems, Marketing, and Production.

Mr. Jaffar added that the Labour Fund has been able to identify various other impediments which will be presented and discussed in detail during the Conference.

The Bahrain Productivity Conference is the first of its kind in the region, and aims to define developmental and improvement needs for the private sector. The Conference is targeting all stakeholders, including decision-makers, and business owners of the local private sector.