Tamkeen and Southern Governorate launch Al Basta Initiative

Tamkeen and the Southern Governorate signed an agreement on Monday (11 February) at Tamkeen's headquarters to launch “Al Basta”, a joint initiative aimed at spurring trade activity in the Southern Governorate through the establishment of a dedicated market. The modern and fully-equipped market will serve as an important destination for merchants and residents in the Southern Governorate community in particular, and the Kingdom of Bahrain in general.

Tamkeen's support in this leading project is part of its efforts to develop enterprises in the private sector to make it the key engine of economic growth. The project targets startups and micro-enterprises as well as farmers in the Southern Governorate. Tamkeen will contribute BD 60,000 to the project's total budget of BD 100,000.

The signing was attended by Tamkeen Chief Executive Mahmood Hashem Al-Kooheji and His Excellency Sheikh Abduallah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Governor of the Southern Governorate, in addition to senior officials from both sides.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Al Kooheji said: "We are pleased to launch this leading and unique project in cooperation with the Southern Governorate to support private sector enterprises and boost their contribution to the national economy. The project embodies the continued fruitful collaboration between Tamkeen and its stakeholders to create innovative programmes which address market needs and enhance the capabilities of Bahrainis and Bahraini enterprises."

For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Rashid Al Khalifa expressed his appreciation for Tamkeen’s support of this important project which is in line with the initiated by HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa to develop the agricultural sector. He also stressed the Southern Governorate’s continuous efforts to enhance the income of families and develop the capabilities of citizens of the governorate.

The market will be located next to Riffa Views. Over 144 enterprises are expected to benefit from the project over its three-month duration which extends from the end of February to May 2013.

Al Basta project is a non-profit initiative that will be implemented by the Southern Governorate and a team of volunteers. In addition to offering free-of-charge exhibition spaces, the project provides a number of important support services, all offered for free.

Those wishing to register to benefit from the project can call (17750590) or email (albasta.market@gmail.com). They can follow the project on Twitter (@albasta_market) and Instagram (albasta_market).

More than 66,000 Bahraini citizens and enterprises have benefited from Tamkeen's various support programmes to date, and the number is expected to rise to 100,000.