This came during a field visit organized by the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Chamber to Manama Souq, with the participation of a number of board members and a gathering of the souq's business owners. The visit aimed at assessing the souq conditions and needs, and to hear directly from business owners' insights and suggestions at their places of business.
Kanoo stated that the Board of Directors adopts an approach based on field presence and direct communication with business owners, stemming from his conviction that the best economic decisions are built on real, on-the-ground experience.
He explained that this visit marks the first of a regular program of field visits that will cover traditional markets and economic sectors across all governorates of the Kingdom, bringing the Chamber closer to business owners and enabling it to directly identify the priorities of various economic sectors.
He noted that traditional markets are a core part of Bahrain's economic and national identity, not just commercial spaces, and that the visit included open discussions with shop owners, whose feedback the Chamber will follow up on with relevant authorities to develop into practical improvements for the business environment.
Kanoo added that most businesses operating in Manama Souq fall under the small and medium enterprises sector (SME’s), making their support a top priority for the Board of Directors. He pointed out that establishing a specialized department to support these enterprises reflects the Chamber's commitment to following up on their needs and working with relevant authorities to enable their growth and expansion.
Kanoo concluded his remarks by affirming that these field visits come within the framework of the Chamber's role as a partner in Bahrain's economic development journey.
