Under the patronage of H.E. Zayed Al-Zayani, the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism in Bahrain, the ‘Made in Bahrain’ initiative was launched in Wyndham Grand Manama, Bahrain Bay, on the 20th of January 2020.
The initiative entails that factory owners that obtained an Industrial License and registered in Industrial Registration can register for the ‘Made in Bahrain’ mark over here, given that the local content of registered products must be equivalent to 35% or higher to obtain the mark. However, the ministry reserves the right to change the ratio at any time in the future.
The Minister emphasized the significance of the initiative by saying: “The ‘Made in Bahrain’ initiative is one of the most important initiatives to promote local products. It’s aimed at developing domestic exports and ensuring that Bahraini products and services are promoted and recognized in international markets.”
He further elaborated on the mechanisms of the initiative: “This will upgrade the quality of Bahraini exports and position us as a global industrial player, with the manufacturing sector currently representing about 14.5 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).”
Dr. Ebrahim Mohamed Janahi, Chief Executive of Tamkeen Bahrain, commented on the importance of such an initiative stating that it’s part of Bahrain’s 2030 vision of enhancing the economy and supporting local productions.
‘Made in Bahrain,’ as the Minister shared aims to increase dependency on local industries, as well as help achieve self-sufficiency and food security.
It’s also given that traders are allowed to print and label the mark in the packaging or wrapping of their registered goods, in addition to all marketing purposes that include both local and international exhibitions. They aren’t allowed, on the other hand, to utilize the ‘Made in Bahrain’ mark as a part of their entity or company’s brand and modify it in any way.
The ministry is joining forces with Tamkeen, Export Bahrain, and the U.N. Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) on the project along with award-winning local factories.
Mr. Osama Alarrayedh, Undersecretary of Industry Affairs, has shared, “We can now identify products made in Bahrain that will have their own identity and a wider reach in global markets. We will work with the national factories which do not meet the criteria, in cooperation with Unido, to improve their ability to attain eligibility.”
When it comes to the type of products that can register with the ministry and use the official mark, Mr. Alarrayedh stated that products such as food items, metals, petrochemicals, and other locally manufactured items.
Dr. Nasser Qaedi, Chief Executive of Export Bahrain, highlighted the confidence local companies will witness an increase of when it comes to positioning their exports. Dr. Qaedi shared: “The ‘Made in Bahrain’ mark will add value and help buyers abroad distinguish our products.”
He also added that local industries could benefit from a lot of services such as financing, insurance, shipping or logistics, and even an e-commerce platform to promote their products as part of the ambitious plan.
Juzer Rupawala, Director of Lulu Group, has also expressed the hypermarket chain’s complete support of the initiative, and their keenness to demonstrate such products in their stores.
Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Food Wealth Committee Chairman, Khalid Al-Ameen, shared the same enthusiasm and support. He’s also Midway Supermarket chief executive.
