The Economy and Development Group commences its election campaign

This unified team is known as the Economy and Development Group and includes 14 members of the outgoing board.

The group consists of Dr. Esam Fakhro, Mr. Ebrahim Zainal, Dr. Ahmad Al Tahoo, Ms. Afnan Al Zayani, Dr. Tawfeeq Al Moayed, Mr. Jehad Bukamal, Mr. Jawad Al Hawaj, Mr. Hassan Kamal, Mr. Samir Nass, Mr. Sharif Ahmadi, Mr. Adel Al A'ali, Mr. Adel Al Maskati, Mr. Adel Mattar, Mr. Abdulrahman Fakhro, Mr. Othman Sharif, Ms. Fatima Jawad, Mr. Mohammed Bokhamas, and Dr. Nazar Al Baharna.

In this respect Dr. Esam Fakhro indicated that the group's focus on the economy and development is due to the belief that invigorating BCCI's role in the economic decision making and strengthening the private sector coincides with the strengthening of the globalization of the economy and the methods of having a greater role for the private sector in leading the national economy. He added that local private sectors cannot operate without having a strong relationship with the international private sector, which provides a qualitative indicator for other related policies in all other productive sectors. Dr. Fakhro stressed that the management of the economy has become an international methodology which relates to the international political economy, reflecting the belief that economics is in fact intensified politics.

Dr. Fakhro, continued by saying the strategic view of the Economy and Development Group, focuses on developing the economic administration and the relevant matters of all sectors in order to reflect the thoughts and interests of BCCI in the next four years. He said; BCCI should become a leading force in the running of the economy, and should depart from being an observer or a consultant. "This is the extent of change that we aspire for, as a group, if we get elected to the position of leadership in BCCI. We hope to gain the trust of the members, whom we call upon to participate heavily in the forthcoming election and exercise their rights as members."

In turn, Mr. Ebrahim Zainal stated that the Economy and Development Group has adopted several objectives including business training, research and development of the local market to serve all concerned parties. "Mr. Zainal also encouraged all BCCI members to have a say in the affairs of BCCI, by voting to elect the new board. He indicated that the Economy and Development Group is convinced that if business firms and establishments of all sizes do not participate in strengthening the role of BCCI, this role would not be effective. The strategic change that the Economy and Development Group shall strive for, depends on the cooperation and support granted by all those who have stake in changing the role of BCCI. Our strategic view is built upon moving ahead with the whole world, particularly the international private sector, to attract joint ventures and mutual investments. We have to position Bahrain in the lead on par with economically prosperous nations, concluded Mr. Zainal.

Dr. Ahmad Al Tahoo elaborated on the concept of Development which the Group is promoting. "We believe that in order to maintain sustained economic development, specific pre-requisites are needed. These include higher personal income and equal opportunities to employment, investment, production and trade activities, in addition to the reciprocation of mutual benefits to all sectors which form a modern and advanced economy. Development means a widespread network of relationships without constraints." The Economy and Development Group shall aspire to maintain the basic requirements for a developed and thriving economy" stated Dr. Al Tahoo.
"The GDP of a country cannot be increased without the development of all business firms and establishments that contribute to it. Basically, the development of any economy depends on the healthy growth of its components, namely firms and establishments" added Dr. Al Tahoo.

As for the effect of the vast collective experience, enjoyed by the group members on achieving their objectives, Ms. Afnan Al Zayani said that educated and experienced people could easily manage and lead business firms and establishments to attain their goals, and that if a group of successful business people join together, they can complement each other and form a strong team that could make a difference. Therefore, Ms. Al Zayani believes that the Economic and Development Group has all the needed capabilities, skills and knowledge, in addition to newcomers, and this should allow the group to perform its duties and excel." The group is prepared to put forth its strategy and priorities, in a well organized manner," concluded Ms. Al Zayani.

All members of the Economy and Development Group stressed the importance of active participation by all the members of BCCI, in the forthcoming election. They indicated that the active role of the Chamber begins with an active role of its individual members, particularly in practicing the right to vote to elect the Board members of BCCI. Active participation in the coming election is an indication of the profound awareness of all the members, and their concern for the strategic interest of the private sector in order to achieve the set goals of the group, particularly in this upcoming transitional period.