PIONEERING!

MANAMA: The private sector is the main engine that is driving growth in the kingdom.

This was reflected in the government’s rapid response to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in the form of a BD4.5 billion financial and economic package, said a top minister.

In March last year, the government announced the comprehensive economic stimulus package to offset the impact of Covid-19 on individuals and companies.

Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa pointed out that the nation’s proactive and pioneering steps during the pandemic had received praise from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The GDN reported on Monday that the world body said Bahrain’s policy responses were swift and well co-ordinated.

This helped “limit the spread of the virus, deliver rapid and widespread access to vaccinations, and target income and liquidity support to those most in need”.

A statement issued after the IMF’s virtual consultations with the Bahrain government quoted an official as saying, “Bahrain moved quickly to address the health and economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, protecting lives and livelihood.”

Shaikh Salman said the steps taken to confront the repercussions of the global spread of Covid-19 at the local level, including the launch of the BD4.3bn financial aid, came thanks to the wisdom and directives of His Majesty King Hamad and the keenness and follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince Prime Minister, to preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents in parallel with the continuation of the state’s programmes and the course of its work in pursuit of sustainable development for the benefit of citizens.

The minister underlined the importance of continuing and concentrating all efforts to achieve more progress and prosperity for the benefit of all.

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/936290/PIONEERING