Information Minister: redirecting subsidies to benefit citizens

Manama, July13 (BNA): A joint consultation committee is continuing meetings to finalise the executive procedures for redirecting Government-funded subsidies, said Information Affairs Minister Isa Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi. He stressed the Government's determination to meet citizens' basic needs and said that discussions are continuing with the legislative branch to approve mechanisms for redirecting subsidies. Addressing the weekly post Cabinet meeting, he said that redirecting subsidies would benefit citizens, revealing a proposal to set up a cyber-platform to register eligible recipients who are not included in the lists of the Social Development Ministry. The minister said that there is no plan to halt the decision to redirect subsidies to benefit citizens, adding that consultations are continuing with the Parliament to finalise executive measures. Once a decision is taken to enforce the measure, he said, the Government will automatically and directly stop giving funds to the company to import subsidised meat, pointing out that any developments would be announced. The minister affirmed the Government's commitment to abide by the constitutional channels when taking decisions, adding that the approval of the legislative authority would be sought whenever constitutionally required. He pointed out that meat is available in sufficient quantities in Bahrain markets, pointing out that the Government subsidises only one type. He highlighted high demand on other types of meat imports whose prices are subject to the law of supply and demand. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, he said, does not intervene to fix the prices or direct traders to do so, stressing the fundamental role of customers themselves in influencing the market trends, based on the law of supply and demand. Al-Hammadi underlined the directives of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa to conduct a study on ways to ensure the smooth flow of traffic from the Hamad Town Roundabout to the Clock Tower Roundabout in Riffa, past the Crown Prince’s Avenue (Waley Al-Ahd Highway). The move followed a proposal submitted by the Council of Representatives to upgrade the highways and avenues leading to the Clock Tower Roundabout in Riffa. The Supreme Council for Traffic, which comprises the General Directorate of Traffic and the Ministry of Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning, regularly conducts studies to ensure the smooth flow of the traffic across Bahrain. Under the Government Action Plan and the Gulf Development Programme, a string of infrastructure projects would be launched to revamp Bahrain's road network and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. The minister stressed ongoing preparations to welcome the flow of GCC nationals and residents who will flock to Bahrain to spend the Eid Al-Fitr vacations, citing entertainment programmes lined-up by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and the private sector establishments. He pointed out that judicial fees would from now on range from BD30 to BD200,000, following a proposal submitted by the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments. The aim of the measure is to ensure the citizens’ litigation rights and streamline procedures. It will also ease pressure on courts, especially regarding low-value lawsuits. "The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments conducted a study which concluded the necessity of putting caps", he said, adding that the lawsuits have an impact on the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution (BCDR). The minister underlined strict and clear directives to reduce unnecessary expenditure, pointing out that all ministries and government departments will commit to the unified measure and slash spending, without affecting citizens. He said that the two-year state budget (2015-2016) has been endorsed, following intensive consultation between the Government and the legislative branch, amid fluctuating oil prices which hit other countries in the region. He underlined the $24 billion package of development and infrastructure projects which would be carried out in the coming years in partnership with the private sector companies, citing particularly the expansion of Bahrain International Airport, main avenues and highways, in addition to the 6th Alba smelter and power plant which would create up to 35oo jobs. "A major bulk of 50 percent (50%) of the 6th Alba smelter would be used to supply the transformative industries, which will boost small and mediums projects in Bahrain", Al-Hammadi said. The minister noted the Cabinet's endorsement of a draft-law on ratifying the second Protocol to Amend the Free Trade Agreement signed between Bahrain and the USA, and refer it to the legislative branch, as required by the constitutional procedures in force. He stressed ongoing meetings between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Ministry and the American side to ensure the FTA provisions reflects Bahrain and US market trends, changes and requirements.