Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, expressed his appreciation to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait for their continuous support to his country.
Speaking at the Bahrain Government Forum 2019, the Crown Prince noted that the initial results of the Fiscal Balance Program, were positive and Bahrain aims to achieve a fiscal balance by 2022.
He announced that during H1 of 2019, the deficit fell 38 percent, non-oil revenues increased 47 percent, oil revenues increased 10 percent and expenditure reduced by 14 percent compared with the same period in 2018.
Between 2008 and 2018, non-oil growth saw a 50 percent growth rate, according to the Crown Prince.
He highlighted the progress of the National Employment Program, which is designed to make citizens the first choice of employment. The program has employed 5,918 Bahrainis and helped those working in the private sector increase their income by 4.3 percent.
The Crown Prince highlighted Manama’s efforts in accelerating development through a citizen-centered approach that is participatory and sustainable.
Over the past few years, the number of government institutions committed to the agreed upon service-level reached 100 percent in three entities, which increased to 16 that were honored at the Forum.
“Looking back at previous accomplishments should renew our drive towards the next phase of development, which requires enhanced confidence and renewed resolve,” the Crown Prince concluded.
