Housing Minister explores cooperation with Chinese side

Beijing: April 21 – (BNA): Minister of Housing Bassim bin Yaqoub Al-Hammer and senior officials from the Ministry of Housing and also from the Eskan Bank visited several Chinese construction firms in the presence of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the People's Republic of China Dr. Anwar Yusuf Al-Abdullah. The visit by the Minister and his accompanying delegation to Chinese companies aims to benefit from the great Chinese expertise in compliance with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa following His Majesty's recent successful visit to the People's Republic of China. The two sides exchanged views and explored ways and means for cooperation in implementing affordable social housing in the Bahrain as per Ministry of Housing technical specifications. The Chinese side was briefed about the standards and technical conditions of the Tender Board and also investment opportunities in Bahrain's construction sector. The Minister cited the two-pronged ambitious housing plan which includes the construction of new cities in Bahrain and increasing the number of residential units and blocks in all five governorates. The Minister was briefed by the officials of these companies on construction and design models as well as current and future plans. The Minister thanked the Chinese companies officials for their good cooperation and provision of information pertaining to corporate activities, looking forward to a fruitful cooperation in implementing housing projects as per the Ministry-developed plans to serve all waiting lists applications. The officials of Chinese companies visited have shown remarkable cooperation with the Bahraini side and expressed their desire to actuate this cooperation on real ground as soon as possible in line with the aspirations of the leaderships of both friendly countries. (IY) I.Y