Marrakech : Dr. Ali Majed Al Noaimi, 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.
During a paper presented at the session, Dr. Al Noaimi said that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups are key drivers of economic diversification and fiscal sustainability rather than merely a supporting sector. He noted that international experiences have demonstrated their ability to drive innovation and create quality employment opportunities for young people when supported by an appropriate legislative and regulatory environment.
Dr. Al Noaimi reviewed Bahrain’s support for SMEs and startups through financing, training and advisory programmes, including initiatives led by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen). He noted that these efforts have strengthened private-sector growth, attracted investment and created employment opportunities.
He called for stronger partnerships between higher education institutions and the private sector to promote entrepreneurship and align education with labour market needs, stressing 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 noted that investment in this sector represents a strategic opportunity for coastal and island states to diversify sources of income and support economic growth.
He called for reviewing legal frameworks governing fisheries, marine energy and coastal tourism to encourage investment and ensure sustainability, while supporting environmentally friendly ports, clean maritime fleets and aquaculture technologies.
Dr. Al Noaimi noted that Bahrain’s blue economy potential includes fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, logistics, ports and shipbuilding and repair, highlighting 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.
