Deputy Prime Minister Inaugurates Bahrain First Aquaculture Company
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, has emphasized the need to encourage Bahraini investors to continue their investments in the food industry, particularly in the field of aquaculture. This move is aimed at boosting food security and diversifying supply chains through effective partnerships with the private sector. He noted that this initiative aligns with the visions and goals set by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the government's policies, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The Deputy Prime Minister revealed that, in line with its 2023-2026 program, the government will actively support projects dedicated to achieving food security. This will involve offering various investment opportunities in plant agriculture, animal husbandry, and fish farming. Beneficiaries will receive the necessary support and access to cutting-edge technologies to increase food production.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla made these statements during his visit to the National Aquaculture Centre in Ras Hayyan. He was accompanied by Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Hawaj, Minister of Works, and His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, the Southern Governor, along with other officials and business leaders.
During his visit, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla inaugurated the Gulf Aquaculture Company, the Kingdom's first-ever venture in farmed shrimp production. This project is a result of the partnership between the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and the private sector, aimed at enhancing local food security.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that this pioneering aquaculture company will serve as an encouragement for Bahraini investors to undertake similar initiatives in the future. This will, in turn, contribute to strengthening the national economy by producing safe, high-quality local food.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla directed the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture to continue creating opportunities for investors to cultivate species that align with consumer preferences. This approach is essential for ensuring the environmental sustainability of natural resources and avoiding the depletion of marine wealth caused by traditional overfishing methods that violate regulations.
Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that these opportunities would help make shrimp available year-round, reducing the impact of seasonal bans and ultimately achieving self-sufficiency in this domain.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla extended his best wishes for the success of the project in meeting the local market's demand for shrimp. He also commended the remarkable efforts of the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and its affiliates in implementing the national plan to boost the kingdom's fisheries production capacity.
Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to promoting private sector investments in fish farming. He emphasized the importance of developing the necessary infrastructure to support this economic activity in line with the broader goals of comprehensive development driven by the King and backed by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He expressed gratitude to the Deputy Prime Minister for visiting the National Aquaculture Centre in Ras Hayyan and inaugurating the Gulf Aquaculture Company. He regarded it as a success story in the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry and the private sector.
Furthermore, Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak revealed that more aquaculture investment projects would be launched in the near future as the Ministry enters agreements with local companies interested in this sector. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the thriving fish food industry by incorporating modern technologies.
Sami Mohammed Sayyar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Aquaculture Company, expressed his appreciation for the official inauguration of the company by the Deputy Prime Minister, marking the beginning of its operations, production, and distribution. He highlighted the government's support for public-private partnerships that benefit the nation and its citizens in various fields.
He stressed the company's commitment to employing local expertise and utilizing state-of-the-art equipment in fish farming to provide the local market with fresh shrimp year-round. The company aims to meet high-quality standards, offer competitive prices, and produce no less than 170 tons annually thanks to the capacity of its seven aquaria spanning an area of 6,000 square meters in Ras Hayyan.