Building on the strong and historical ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE, technical teams from both nations have recently convened to explore strategies for implementing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in January 2024 by the Bahrain Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and fostering synergies between the UAE’s National In-Country Value (ICV) Program and Bahrain’s Value Program in Industry (Takamul).
Industrial enterprises to benefit from both programs
The two parties finalized the procedures to implement the MoU and agreed that Bahraini industrial enterprises would be eligible to apply for the National ICV Program and obtain the program’s certification according to the UAE’s procedures and standards, through the authorized entities issuing the certification. This would allow them to participate in federal government procurement tenders in the UAE.
Meanwhile, Emirati industrial enterprises will also be eligible to benefit from Bahrain’s Takamul Program by receiving a 10 percent preference if they complete the qualification process by applying through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s online portal.
“Collaboration between the UAE’s National ICV Program and Bahrain’s ‘Takamul’ Program marks a significant milestone in strengthening our strategic partnership. By fostering industrial integration and sustainable development, this initiative aims to enhance the resilience and sustainability of supply chains in both nations,” stated Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.
Driving self-sufficiency
Al Jaber added that through the manufacturing of high-quality, domestically produced goods, the UAE and Bahrain seek to reduce reliance on imports and drive self-sufficiency, ultimately contributing to long-term economic growth and prosperity.
For his part, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, commended the robust, long-standing relations between Bahrain and the UAE and their brotherly peoples. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives and their significant role in strengthening strategic partnerships between the two countries to achieve the desired integration.
“These efforts will further advance joint cooperation to new horizons, fostering prosperity and growth for both nations and their peoples. Such initiatives translate the noble directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain,” the Bahraini minister added.
