Marrakech: Ali Majed Al Noaimi, a member of the delegation of the Parliamentary Division, participated in a session on strategies for creating sustainable employment opportunities as part of the fourth Marrakech Parliamentary Economic Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Region.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Noaimi emphasized that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups are essential drivers of economic diversification and fiscal sustainability, rather than merely a supporting sector. He highlighted that global experiences have shown their capacity to drive innovation and create quality employment opportunities for young people when backed by an appropriate legislative and regulatory environment.
Dr. Al Noaimi outlined Bahrain's support for SMEs and startups through financing, training, and advisory programs, including initiatives led by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen). He noted that these efforts have bolstered private-sector growth, attracted investment, and generated employment opportunities.
He advocated for stronger partnerships between higher education institutions and the private sector to promote entrepreneurship and align education with labor market needs, emphasizing the importance of investing in human capital and digital skills.
In a separate intervention during the same session, Dr. Al Noaimi presented a paper on promoting job creation through the blue economy. He pointed out that investment in this sector represents a strategic opportunity for coastal and island states to diversify income sources and support economic growth.
He urged a review of legal frameworks governing fisheries, marine energy, and coastal tourism to encourage investment and ensure sustainability, while promoting environmentally friendly ports, clean maritime fleets, and aquaculture technologies.
Dr. Al Noaimi highlighted Bahrain's blue economy potential, which includes fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, logistics, ports, and shipbuilding and repair, focusing on fish farming and marine conservation initiatives.
He added that Bahrain's National Food Security Strategy 2025-2030 provides a model for linking maritime policies with sustainable development goals through a permanent food security committee supported by measurable performance indicators.
Dr. Al Noaimi concluded that empowering SMEs alongside investment in the blue economy represents two key pathways to achieving sustainable economic growth and creating quality employment opportunities while promoting innovation and enhancing social and economic stability.