Latest from Bahrain News Gazette
Bahrain News Gazette
13-05-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
CGTN: China and CELAC usher in new chapter of South-South cooperation
As China hosts the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing this Tuesday, CGTN publishes an article highlighting how China-CELAC cooperation is delivering tangible benefits to local communities. The article also underscores China's sincere commitment to working hand in hand with CELAC countries on five major projects and advancing together on their respective paths to modernization. BEIJING, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Located in San Salvador, the National Library of El Salvador – a China-aided mega project – has become a modern cultural landmark in the capital city since its inauguration in late 2023. Spanning 24,000 square meters, the library is open 24/7 and holds over 360,000 volumes. It serves multiple functions, including youth education, art exhibitions, cultural performances, and academic conferences. The library is among more than 200 infrastructure projects China has supported in Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) countries in recent years, which Chinese President Xi Jinping noted during his address at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing on Tuesday. Xi said those projects have helped create nearly one million local jobs. Fundamental pursuit to benefit people Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the official launch of the China-CELAC Forum, Xi said he's pleased to see the China-CELAC Forum grow from a seedling to a tall tree. China and CELAC countries have built a community with a shared future, featuring equality and mutual benefits, upholding openness and inclusiveness, and aiming to bring tangible benefits for the people, Xi said. Since 2012, China has been LAC's second-largest trading partner and is now the top partner for Chile, Brazil, and Peru. It has signed free trade agreements with five LAC nations: Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. As of 2024, bilateral trade reached $500 billion – a nearly 40-fold increase since 2000, according to Chinese Ambassador to Panama Xu Xueyuan. So far, 23 LAC countries have signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with China, Xu said. Notable BRI projects include the Chancay Port – South America's first smart and green port – and the Jamaica North-South Highway. Inaugurated in November 2024, Chancay Port has cut Pacific shipping time by nearly one-third, lowered logistics costs by 20 percent, and is expected to create over 8,000 direct jobs. Such tangible cooperation has received strong local support. A CGTN poll of 2,500 Latin Americans found that 80.4 percent viewed the BRI as beneficial to regional economic and social development. Since 1993, China has dispatched 38 medical teams to Caribbean nations, offering care and helping improve local medical capabilities. The same poll showed that 86.2 percent of respondents had a favorable impression of China. Solidarity and further cooperation At the gathering, Xi stressed the importance of Global South unity in face of rising unilateralism and protectionism. China and LAC countries are important members of the Global South, Xi said, adding that 'Independence and autonomy are our glorious traditions, development and rejuvenation are our natural rights, fairness and justice are our common pursuits.' Facing the undercurrents of geopolitics and camp confrontation, as well as the growing countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, China is willing to join hands with CELAC countries to launch the five major projects, seek common development and rejuvenation, Xi said. Detailing the major projects centering on solidarity, development, civilization, security and people-to-people exchanges, Xi called on China and Latin American and Caribbean countries to continue supporting each other on core interest issues and major concerns, maintain close exchanges in all fields, and jointly implement the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative. Xi announced that China will provide CELAC countries with a credit fund of 66 billion yuan (around $9.2 billion) to support their development. Additionally, over the next three years, China will offer 3,500 government scholarships, 10,000 training opportunities, 500 international Chinese language teacher scholarships, and 300 training spots for poverty reduction technologies. China has decided to offer a visa-free policy to five countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and will expand the policy to cover more regional countries in due course, said the Chinese president. China's recent modernization has boosted confidence in the region. A CGTN poll showed that 82.9 percent of respondents see China's development model as a valuable reference for LAC countries. Noting China has always been a good friend and partner of LAC countries, Xi called on China and LAC countries to join hands and move forward side by side on respective modernization journeys. Contact: CGTN, [email protected] GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9450561
Bahrain News Gazette
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Bahrain News Gazette
Round 19 of Nasser bin Hamad League Sees Wins for Riffa, Aali and East Riffa
Manama: Round 19 of the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League concluded with notable victories for Riffa, Aali, and East Riffa. Riffa secured a 2-1 win over Muharraq, while Aali triumphed over Najma with a similar scoreline. East Riffa managed to edge Ahli with a narrow 1-0 victory. According to Bahrain News Agency, the round also featured a win for Al Khalidiya, who defeated Bahrain 2-1. Sitra claimed a 1-0 victory over Malkiya, while Al Shabab and Manama ended their match in a 1-1 draw. Muharraq continues to lead the league table with 47 points, followed by Khalidiya with 36 points, Riffa with 34 points, and Sitra with 31 points. Manama remains at the bottom of the standings with 12 points.
Bahrain News Gazette
13-05-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
Bahrain's Leadership Engages in Diplomatic and Strategic Initiatives
Manama: Bahraini daily newspapers today focused on events that happened over the past 24 hours. According to Bahrain News Agency, HM King received HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as the Saudi Minister of Education, highlighting ongoing diplomatic engagements. In legislative developments, HM King ratified and issued Law (22) of 2025 and Law (23) of 2025. These new laws indicate the country's commitment to updating its legal framework in alignment with its strategic objectives. In terms of international cooperation, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister met with the Minister of Education of Saudi Arabia, as well as the 26th intake of the Crown Prince's International Scholarship Program (CPISP). These meetings underscore Bahrain's focus on educational partnerships and talent development. Sports and cultural diplomacy were also on the agenda, with HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad leading the Bahrain delegation to the 37th GCC Olympic meeting. He also met with the President of the International Olymp ic Committee to discuss future cooperation and attended the Arab Handball Cup final. On the ministerial front, the Royal Court Minister issued Decision (1) of 2025, while the Foreign Minister received the EU Ambassador to Bahrain, reinforcing Bahrain's international diplomatic relations. The Information Minister took part in a panel discussion during the 20th edition of the Arab Media Forum, showcasing Bahrain's active role in regional media discourse. Further bilateral discussions were held between the Education Minister and his Saudi counterpart, focusing on educational cooperation. Meanwhile, the Social Development Minister participated in Egypt's 'Takaful and Karama' anniversary event and discussed inclusive employment support with the CEO of Tamkeen. Additionally, the Tourism Minister met with an IMF official, and the Municipalities Minister inspected the Southern Governorate urban development project. The Legal Affairs Minister engaged with the RHF Secretary General, and a Bahrain parliamentary deleg ation visited the Indonesian Parliament. In a move to enhance digital services, the Social Insurance Organization (SIO) and Beyon Connect signed an eKey 2.0 agreement. This development aims to boost Bahrain's digital infrastructure and service delivery.
Bahrain News Gazette
13-05-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
Hong Kong and Qatar: Partnering for Success
Visa-free travel arrangement and 35 bilateral accords signed HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 May 2025 – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s Chief Executive John Lee is leading a delegation of over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and Mainland China to Qatar and Kuwait to forge closer connections and promote the city's advantages to the Middle East. This historic visit marks the first time that Mainland entrepreneurs have joined an official overseas Hong Kong delegation. 'The composition of the delegation demonstrates Hong Kong's unique role as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder' under the principle of 'one country, two systems'', Mr Lee said. 'Hong Kong is dedicated to capitalising on its connectivity with both Mainland China and the world, collaborating and synergising with economies and enterprises that are eager to pursue high-quality development with us.' The first stop in Qatar (May 10-12) yielded significant results, including the signing and announcement of 35 bilateral accords covering areas such as economic co-operation, investment, finance, legal collaboration and innovation and technology (I&T). These included a tripartite agreement among organisations from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar focusing on fintech collaboration, showcasing Hong Kong's bridging role between different economies. In addition to Hong Kong-Qatar co-operation, two agreements were reached between enterprises from Mainland China and Qatar, fostering co-operation in financial services and high-end manufacturing. HKSAR's Chief Executive John Lee (seventh right) witnesses agreements signed between government department, enterprises, and institutions from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar. Speaking at a business luncheon in Doha (May 12) themed 'Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a 'Super Connector' and 'Super Value-Adder', Mr Lee unveiled a new arrangement allowing HKSAR passport holders to visit Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days. He also said that Hong Kong and Qatar have substantially concluded the negotiations on an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. On arriving in Qatar (May 11), Mr Lee met the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, to exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar. Mr Lee meets the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (right). Qatar is Hong Kong's third-largest trading partner in the Middle East with bilateral trade in goods worth US$1.6 billion last year. Mr Lee said that there is plenty of room for further growth in trade and business between the two places. During a visit to the Qatar Investment Authority, Mr Lee was briefed on the operation and investment strategies of the sovereign wealth fund, and explored with the Qatar Investment Authority the development and co-operation opportunities for both sides in finance and the economy. With I&T being an area of great potential for bilateral collaboration, Mr Lee and other delegation members visited Lusail City, one of the country's flagship smart cities, to understand how the city integrates I&T with urban planning and infrastructure development. Mr Lee highlighted that both Hong Kong and Qatar attach great importance to technological development and regard artificial intelligence as an engine of new economic development. Mr Lee tours Lusail City in Qatar. Delegation members also toured the National Museum of Qatar to learn about the country's history and rich cultural heritage. Before departing for Kuwait, Mr Lee took the chance to visit an autonomous vehicle project at Doha Hamad International Airport. The project is designed by a Mainland Chinese tech firm with its international headquarters in Hong Kong, and first piloted at Hong Kong International Airport. 'This exemplifies our role as a launchpad for global innovation,' Mr Lee said.
Bahrain News Gazette
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Bahrain News Gazette
GIG Bahrain Contributes to Planting 84 Trees in Support of 'Forever Green' Campaign
Manama: The national afforestation campaign 'Forever Green' continues its mission to expand green spaces across the Kingdom of Bahrain. As part of its latest initiative, a project was launched today on Avenue 65 leading to Diyar Al Muharraq, with the sponsorship of Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company (GIG Bahrain), which supported the planting of 84 Council trees (Ficus Altissima). According to Bahrain News Agency, the launch was attended by Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), alongside Dr. Abdulla Sultan, CEO of Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company (GIG Bahrain), and Abdulaziz Al Naar, Chairman of the Muharraq Municipal Council. Shaikha Maram bint Isa expressed her appreciation to GIG Bahrain for its contribution. 'Such community initiatives strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors and pave the way towards environmental sustainability and enhance the quality of life in the Kingdom of Bahrain,' Shaikha Maram bint Isa said. Dr. Abdulla Sultan underscored the company's commitment to sustainability, noting: 'We are proud to support the national afforestation campaign, as it represents an important step towards a greener future. We look forward to continuing our contribution to sustainable environmental development projects.' GIG Bahrain's involvement in the 'Forever Green' campaign is aligned with its 'Cashback' Motor Insurance Product launched last year. The innovative product offers direct cashback to policyholders based on kilometres driven, encouraging reduced mileage and environmentally conscious driving. A portion of the product's proceeds is allocated to planting trees in the Kingdom, reflecting the company's strategy of integrating environmental sustainability into its core operations.
