Vision 2030

In the light of the recent events in Bahrain and the many questions, propaganda and false media coverage of our beautiful country, I have decided to put up a blog in the hope that some readers will see why the protestors have no rightful cause for their claims. My aim is to provide a detailed view of what our government has done in the past 10 years in the form of economic reform, initiated by HRH King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, our wise King and his son HRH Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.


About Me: To begin, I am an independent citizen of Bahrain, not government employed, nor government sponsored nor am I any public figure. Infact, I am a nobody. I am a loyal citizen of this beautiful country, for no reason other than the fact that Bahrain has won my loyalty. I have seen my country torn apart and cannot comprehend the reasons behind this and cannot see a justification for such actions. I hope that even if one person reads this blog and thinks to himself "wow!" then i have achieved my purpose. It breaks my heart to see Bahrain's reputation at stake, when the government and the monarchy has given so much to it's people.

Where do I begin, I have thought of this a lot and my favorite government initiative is Tamkeen! However, I have to control my eagerness and urge to begin my discussion of Tamkeen as I have to start from point zero for the discussion! Ooooooooooh so hard!

So, the Bahrain Vision 2030 it is! According to Vision 2030 for Bahrain, developed by the Economic Development Board, "Vision 2030 is a comprehensive economic vision for Bahrain providing a clear direction for the continued development of our economy and at its heart is a shared goal of building a better life for every Bahraini. Vision 2030 has been developed over the course of four years in consultation with over 1000 Bahrainis from the public sector, private sector, academia and civil society. The Vision will be underpinned by a national economic strategy detailing strategic initiatives across a range of sectors which together will deliver the long term aspirations outlined the within the Vision." (quoted from EDB site)



Ok so just theory? Like every organization that has a vision and mission statement that is just a quote used for print material? Nope! No! Nein! Nay! Absolutely not! I was also skeptical at first, especially with all the rumors that came out. But by God, I was surprised and impressed and till today in shock and awe about how the government plans to help every Bahraini citizen. Please continue reading my blog to understand where my love for the King and the Crown Prince comes from.


To continue, while Bahrain is an oil producing country, we produce 184,000 bbl/day and to put it in perspective we produce less than 1.7% of what Saudi Arabia produces! That means that we cannot rely on oil production alone to sustain growth and to improve the well being of the Bahraini citizens. So while we get compared to many of the GCC countries, there is significant disparity in the capabilities of each as Bahrain produces 1% of the total GCC oil production! So basically it's a problem and we can't rely on oil alone. The Government of Bahrain needs to develop sustainable solutions and initiatives to ensure the well being of every Bahraini citizens. And that is being done.

Remember again, this is an initiative that started years ago and has already been implemented. So while I discuss the theory of it in this first blog, the realities of the execution of it will be discussed in my future writings.


So, the plan is as follows:


Sustainability - to build an economy with the prosperity of future generations in mind, by increasing the role of the private sector to assist the overburdened public sector. Unleashing innovation in the Bahraini citizens and providing them with government support along every step of the way. Also, through improving the quality of jobs by improving skills in Bahraini citizens by sponsored training and education. Yaaaaay, Tamkeen! Yes , government money spent on entrepreneurs and the work force to improve their living standards. Have you ever seen a government handing out free money to it's citizens with the sole purpose of improving their living standards? The USA handed billions of tax payers money to the bail out the biggest banks in the world but didn't provide a cent to the tax payers when their houses were being forfeited! Oh ya and we don't pay taxes!

Competitiveness - "Bahrain must shift from an economy built on oil to a more diverse economy that raises a broad middle class of Bahrainis who can earn more and enjoy better living standards. This requires people with the right skills for new and growth sectors. So we will not only focus on giving Bahrainis new skills but also continue to attract additional expertise from overseas companies" (quoted from EDB site). So government initiatives in Bahrain public schools and universities through Injaz Bahrain providing classes on entrepreneurship. Yup! Classes in school, encouraging students to widen their horizons and unleash their full potential and creativity. I wish I was as lucky as this new generation, they have a guided structure to their life. Remember your school days? I remember my school days, creativity was a sin more than a virtue and therefore any creative energies we had were directed at creating mischief!

Fairness - "more and better paid jobs, better access to training and skills development and a better quality of life for all Bahrainis. At the same time no Bahraini should be left behind; so those who cannot actively participate in the economy will be provided for". Big statements for such a small country? Well, when you have a government that cares about it's people, anything is possible! The government subsidises salaries!!! Have you seen that before? Yes, the private sector are encouraged to hire Bahraini's by subsidising their salaries for 2 years! And providing free training and development programs.



I thought I'd fall short of things to say, but I'm actually proud of my first writing attempt! Bahrain is truly a beautiful country, a country of opportunities, a country of wise rulers, a generous country that opens its arms to all. A country filled with kind and peaceful people who have no racial or religious discriminations. We have lived side by side for many years, a mosque next to a matam, with a church and a temple around the corner. Truly a beautiful country by all accounts. 


And as Mark Twain put it "I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one." See the opportunities you have my fellow Bahraini's.