Tamkeen brainstorms 2010-2014 strategy as key enabler of Vision 2030

Tamkeen unveiled a new six-track approach to development which is based on extensive stakeholder interviews, analysis of key economic indicators and case studies that will help to structure high-impact strategies, programmes and initiatives for the future.

At the core of the strategy are forty nine programmes in eight areas that together enable Tamkeen to achieve its strategic objectives:

• Support strategic overseeing and coordination of private sector development
• Support Foreign Direct Investments
• Encourage indigenous entrepreneurship and growth
• Ensure adequate and appropriate financial support
• Deliver accessible business support services
• Develop human capital
• Raise innovation development and adoption
• Support the development of an enabling environment for a vibrant private sector

Abdulelah Al Qassimi, Tamkeen Chief Executive, said:

"Tamkeen's work is vital to the realisation of the leadership's Vision 2030 development blueprint and we felt the timing was right for a review of our organisation's own vision on how we will reach our objectives. We are focussed on empowering Bahrainis by giving them the right opportunities as employees power the growth of the Kingdom."

Tamkeen also used a comprehensive series of research, studies, economic mapping, econometric modelling, expert consultations and other critical analytical tools required to effectively present an accurate up-to-date picture of the economic, business and labour condition of the economy in order to identify and prioritize potential opportunities and areas of support.

Participating in the consultatative process, which took place today were some of the Kingdom's key decision-makers and hands-on practitioners in various sectors and Charles River Associates International, leading strategy consultants based in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

"This Strategy Consultation Forum was shaped by inputs from representatives from the private and public sectors whose work gives them a close-up understanding of prevailing economic conditions and HR needs in the Kingdom," Mr. Al Qassimi said.

Mr. Al Qassimi said studies indicated that Bahrain 's overall productivity was low compared to international benchmarks and its expenditure on private sector development has been lower than reference countries. According to data presented at the forum, Tamkeen has been working since 2007 to train and place and 20,000 Bahrainis in jobs in a process that will last till 2012 before being reviewed.

Figures show that there is a long-term opportunity to train at least 35,000 Bahrainis in post-secondary, graduate and doctoral programmes to take the place of trained and qualified expatriates. Similarly there is a short-term opportunity to train at least 150,000 Bahrainis in entry-level jobs requiring only school-level education.

Participants in the Forum also reviewed case studies of development in 180 countries, of which 21 have similar goals and challenges as Tamkeen.

The updated strategy gives Tamkeen an impactful, distinct and critical role in the national economic development landscape. The strategy explicitly serves the requirements of the five year National Economic Strategy and strengthens Tamkeen's position as a key enabler of Vision 2030.

Furthermore, Tamkeen's strategy will create economic and social benefits supporting strong private sectors within the Kingdom.

Tamkeen will play a critical role in each of these areas and will need to work in partnership with a range of other agencies to deliver successfully.

Mr. Al Qassimi also added, "Tamkeen has developed its new strategy for the time frame 2010 - 2014 and we believe that it will help us to deliver a more effective series of initiatives to the bahraini citizen, the private and kingdome of Bahrain as whole. We are confident that this forum will help us to fulfil our role in the nation-building process under the Vision 2030 plan more effectively."