Industry Minister highlights virtual commercial registration to empower entrepreneurship

Manama, Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, emphasised the ministry's commitment to continuously enhancing regulatory procedures and decisions related to the services it provides. This pertains particularly to fostering entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation and creativity in this sector, and promoting the growth and competitiveness of small enterprises. The minister said these efforts play an important role in accelerating commercial and industrial activities, supporting economic diversification, and creating more promising opportunities that contribute to increasing the gross domestic product and benefiting the national economy. The minister also highlighted Order (51) of 2024 regarding allowing the practice of some commercial activities through a virtual store. This order consolidates all previous decisions related to conducting certain commercial activities through the establishment of the virtual commercial registration (Sijili) into a single decision to facilitate reference for investors and entrepreneurs. Additionally, it expands the eligibility to benefit from Sijili by allowing licence applicants to be sole proprietors, company owners, or board members, with the procedures applicable to sole proprietorships and companies being maintained. Fakhro said that this initiative was driven by the growing interest of Bahraini traders in registering with the virtual commercial establishment Sijili, which allows them to conduct commercial activities without a physical business address. This measure simplifies the establishment of certain enterprises as defined by the decision. He also noted that, in line with the ministry's policy to engage the community, particularly those benefiting from its services, in the design and development of the services it offers, This order was issued based on citizen proposals to provide greater flexibility in conducting commercial activities and to support innovation under fair competitive rules. The minister noted that this order has expanded the numb er of commercial activities permitted through the virtual commercial establishment to 71, following the addition of 30 new activities. This expansion aims to support Bahraini talents and capabilities across various fields, facilitate entry into the commercial sector, and enhance a stimulating economic environment. The virtual commercial registration Sijili was launched as part of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce efforts to support and encourage small individual enterprises, granting them legal status to conduct their activities and simplifying the establishment process for certain enterprises (such as freelancers including photographers, translators, trainers, consultants, and others). The ministry aims to introduce a new model for conducting certain commercial activities. Source : Bahrain News Agency