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Bahrain's industry leaders pledged support to economic development in the kingdom at the opening of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (BCCI) new headquarters, Bait Al Tijjar in Sanabis.
The BD10 million headquarters of the 70-year old organisation, which has the distinction of being the first in the region, was inaugurated under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
Addressing dignitaries, diplomats, business leaders and government officials, chamber chairman, Dr Essam Fakhro, said that BCCI was committed to work with the government to realise the goals of the nation's Vision 2030 of sustained growth and progress. He said: "BCCI's move to its new building is a premeditated step that reflects the chamber's dynamic vision to be the chief engine that supports the national economy.
"Keeping this in mind, we will partake a relentless journey to fulfil our mission: to provide outstanding services and support to enhance the role of Bahraini traders and business owners in stimulating economic development.
"One of the main roles of the chamber is to welcome foreign deputations and to forge long lasting relationships with chambers across the globe, working towards higher foreign direct investment."
BCCI was established in 1939 as the General Traders' Association. Today, the chamber has 10,000 active members and plays an important role in the country's development in enhancing the private, commercial and industrial sectors.
It also contributes to the welfare and prosperity of the local market by representing it at commercial and economic events such as local and regional exhibitions and seminars.
Bait Al Tijjar, designed by Arif Sadiq Consultants, has a hi-tech auditorium on the ground floor with a seating capacity for 800 people. The two-level auditorium is equipped with modern facilities, which include a translation facility in four languages.
A businessman's club will occupy the top-most circular floor of the new premises. Two floors have been taken up by the Industry and Commerce Ministry and another two have been rented to Tamkeen, the national labour training initiative. Three centres on the fifth floor will be dedicated for training, supporting import and export activities and for helping small and medium enterprises. The old BCCI headquarters in Manama will be renovated and upgraded for business use.
