Bahrain History Past Paper PDF

Extra Questions Bapco was founded by the Standard Oil Company of ………….. in 1929. California the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) Which began operation in November ……….. 1977 The first tanker load of Bahrain oil entered the world market In December ………… 1934 In ………. the Power Supply exte...

Extra Questions Bapco was founded by the Standard Oil Company of ………….. in 1929. California the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) Which began operation in November ……….. 1977 The first tanker load of Bahrain oil entered the world market In December ………… 1934 In ………. the Power Supply extended to Muharraq. 1931 Between 1979 and late 1981 Asry worked on an average of 110 vessles per year; by the mid 1980s the average was about 54. T In 1932 the first Imperial Airways airplane landed at Bahrain on its way to India. T Bahrain's first petrol filling station was opened in ………. 1938 Bahraini businesses and individuals will reap the benefits sound regulations, which will facilitate economic growth by keeping competition free and fair. T The national Council was made of 40 elected members. F Bahrainis have the following aspirations for their society: 1. a high standard of social assistance gives all bahrainis an equal start 2. all bahraini nationals and residents have access to quality health care 3. a first-rate education system enables all bahrainis to fulfil their ambitions 4. a safe and secure environment 5. bahraini nationals and residents enjoy a sustainable and attractive living environment. T The Power Supply in Bahrain was introduced before the water Supply T About two-sixth of this crude originates from Bahrain Field, with the remainder being pumped from Saudi Arabia through pipelines, with 95% of Bapco’s refined products being exports. F Between 1979 and late 1981 Asry worked on an average of 110 vessles per year; by the mid 1980s the average was about 54. T A major portion of Bapco’s customer base is constituted by the Middle East, India, the Far East, South East Asia and Africa. T The first parliamentary experience in Bahrain took place in ……. 1973 Ensuring an attractive living environment will include: ALL CORRECT Offering more – and more attractive – public spaces for families Providing more modern facilities that promote regular cultural and sports activities Enforcing laws on cultural preservation Making archaeological and Islamic sites a more prominent part of our cultural landscape Encouraging new generations of Bahrainis to gain experience and in-depth knowledge of our cultural heritage. TURE Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) began exporting its products in ……….. 1934 Education empowers people to reach their full potential in business, government and society. T “In 1932 Bahrain's telephone service was initiated with 12 lines and one public telephone.” The first telephone service in Bahrain had a capacity of ……. Lines 12 The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) Which began operation in November ……….. 1977 Protecting our natural environment will include: ALL CORRECT Conserving our natural spaces for future generations to enjoy Implementing energy-efficiency regulations (e.g., for buildings and electrical appliances) Directing investments to technologies that reduce carbon emissions, minimize pollution and promote the sourcing of more sustainable energy Bahrain followed the course of Saudi Arabia in preparing a permanent Constitution for the country. F Correct answer “Kuwait” through the 2030 vision, the government focuses on developing high quality policies. T Education and training need to be relevant to the requirements of Bahrain and its economy, delivered to the highest possible quality standards, and accessible based on ability and merit. T To plan for a future without oil, we must lose no time in only Identifying potential sources of recurrent government revenues. F By 1979, the Bahrain government was able to sell 30 percent of ALBA's equity to the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC). F In 1932 the first Imperial Airways airplane landed at Bahrain on its way to India T In 1912 Mina Manama was built with a goods' warehouse. A deepwater harbor named Mina Salman was built and came into operation in ……. 1967 The first modern planned town in Bahrain was built in ………. Awali Small industries are not doing better than they are and why there are not more of them. BOTH ARE CORRECT 1. Lack of confidence on the part of technical trainees, and their general lack of marketing skills. 2. Bahrain finds it almost impossible to raise the necessary long-term financial backing needed to start up an independent manufacturing industrial venture. ‘Abu Saafah, is offshore and its production is shared with Saudi Arabia.’ Oil was found in the offshore field of Abu Safa In ………. 1963 ‘The second major joint venture and industrial enterprise established in Bahrain was the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) Which began operation in November 1977.’ T The Gulf Industrial Investment Company (GIIC) a subsidiary of the Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) purchased AISCO's fixed assets and production restarted in June 1988. T Bahrain's light industries include aluminum products, concrete blocks, paints, mattresses, air conditioning, dairy and poultry products, furniture, plastic bags, paper manufacture, fiberglass units and others. T Bahrain will be fully linked to the global trade and information highways by 2030. To achieve this, the Government will attract public and private funds to create and maintain the required infrastructure and services. T Based on 2030 vision, Bahraini businesses and individuals will reap the benefits of sound regulations, which will facilitate economic growth by keeping competition free and fair. T  Quiz 3 The first Municipal Council in Bahrain consisted of........... members who were appointed by the government. Select one: sixteen eight twelve The Manama Municipal Law was issued in.............. which dictated the right of the ruler to appoint the members of the Municipal Council. Select one: 1929 1919 1939 The year............. was regarded as the beginning of the administrative reforms in Bahrain. Select one: 1966 1956 1976 On December 16,................, the Amir, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, declared, in a public address on Bahrain's National Day, the willingness of his government to assign the Council of Ministers to draft a modern Constitution for the country. Select one: 1971 1972 1973 1970 the Amir, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa issued a Decree on July 11,.............., stating the election regulations of the National Council. Select one: 1971 1970 1973 1972 The election for the first National Council in Bahrain was held on Friday, December 7,.................... Select one: 1970 1971 1973 1972 The National Council was dissolved by an Amir Decree in................ Select one: 1976 1977 1975 1978 The beginning of modernization started during the reign of Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa. Select one: True False Established in 1972, the mission of the Constituent Assembly was to prepare Bahrain's first constitution. Select one: True False The first administrative Council in Bahrain which consists of department heads and government officials was headed by Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa. Select one: True False Bahrainis have the following aspirations for their government: 2.1 The Government focuses on developing highquality policies 2.2 The public sector becomes more productive and is accountable for delivering betterquality services via leaner organisations and operations 2.3 A predictable, transparent and fairly enforced regulatory system facilitates economic growth 2.4 The sustainability of government finances is strengthened by reducing dependence on oil revenues to fund current expenditure 2.5 A world-class infrastructure links Bahrain to the global economy Select one: True False The Government of Bahrain will gradually move away from mere service provision. It will shift its focus to generating and enforcing sound, forward- looking policies in critical areas, such as economy and finance, health care, education, the environment, security and social justice. Select one: True False Some of the steps the Government needs to take include: Select one: a. Building strong strategic, forward-looking as well as operational, implementation-focused capabilities in all government institutions b. all the above c. Establishing effective and efficient regulation before and rigorous supervision after privatisation d. None of the above e. Carefully selecting the services to be outsourced and actively seeking partnerships with the private sector A predictable, transparent and fairly enforced regulatory system is a critical prerequisite for economic growth. Select one: True False Only a regulatory framework will strengthen investor trust and confidence in our free market economy. Select one: True False Quiz 4 Bahrain's has an oil field shared with..................... Select one: UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait The decision to set up an offshore banking sector in Bahrain was in.............. 1973 1971 1975 Bahrain started to experience a positive rate of economic growth in.......... Select one: 1982 1980 1984 1986 ALBA was established in 1968 by a consortium of.............. international companies. Select one: four five seven six Bahrain's oil reserves are unlimited by comparison to other Gulf States. Select one: True False Bahrain's private sector enterprises are largely involved in the production of beverages, plastics, tiles, concrete blocks, matches among other productions. Select one: True False Manufacturing's growth has been erratic since the 1983/84 oil price declines. Select one: True False Manufacturing and service sector (particularly banking) are expected to play a key role in the Bahrain's economic diversification efforts. Select one: True False The oil and gas sectors earn about two thirds of government revenues, but have only a 20-25 percent share of GDP. Select one: True False The second major industry to be developed in Bahrain was Aluminum Bahrain (ALBA). Select one: True False Bahraini society in 2030 will be a meritocracy where hard work and talent are rewarded with success. Basic care will be available irrespective of abilities, and all Bahrainis will enjoy equal opportunities. Select one: True False The government will play a vital role in improving the health system along the following levers: Select one: All of the above Promoting and encouraging a healthy lifestyle Providing quick, easy and equitable access to high-quality health care Ensuring regulation of the health-care system by an independent health regulator Developing, attracting and retaining health-care talent and fostering a high-performance ethic among all healthcare employees None of the above Because education is essential for making this Vision a reality, we need to develop an education system that provides every citizen with educational opportunities appropriate to their individual needs, aspirations and abilities. Select one: True False Protecting our natural environment will include: 1. Conserving our natural spaces for future generations to enjoy 2. Implementing energy-efficiency regulations (e.g., for buildings and electrical appliances) 3. Directing investments to technologies that reduce carbon emissions, minimize pollution and promote the sourcing of more sustainable energy Select one: True False Ensuring an attractive living environment won't include offering more – and more attractive – public spaces for families. Select one: True History – final - topic 3 – 3A Modernization The beginning of modernization started during the reign of Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa (1869 to 1932). Through the introduction of administrative systems and the establishment of Municipal Councils (1919 to1920), Bahrain was entrusted with many administrative affairs and duties. The Municipal Council consisted of eight members who were appointed by the government. This number subsequently increased to 24 members who were partially elected by citizens. In 1919, the Manama Municipal Law was issued which dictated the right of the ruler to appoint the members of the Municipal Council. The first Municipal Council consisted of a Deputy-Chairman and eight Members. This remained until 1924 when amendments were made to this law by increasing the number of members to 20, with 10 being appointed by the government and the other 10 Members being elected by the people in a secret ballot. This was regarded as the first election in Bahrain. Additional Municipal Councils were formed in Muharraq, Hidd, Riffa and other towns. The progress achieved in the municipal system in these towns encouraged the government to extend the system to villages of Bahrain due to what was witnessed then of the readiness and strong desires of villagers to accept this form of government. Eight independent municipalities were established in villages. Administrative Reforms The year 1956 was regarded as the beginning of the administrative reforms in the country through the establishment of an Administrative Council which consists of department heads and government officials. The Council was headed by Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. During Shaikh Salman's reign, many councils and institutions were formed (the Administrative Council, Health Council, Education Council, Department of Irrigation and the Advisory Organization for Labour Law). Council of Ministers On December 16, 1971, the Amir, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, declared, in a public address on Bahrain's National Day, the willingness of his government to assign the Council of Ministers to draft a modern Constitution for the country. Following the recommendations of the Committee, H.H. the Amir issued Decree Law No. 12 on June 20, 1972, ordering the establishment of the Constituent Assembly to prepare the State's Constitution, and Decree Law No. 13, also in 1972, on the regulations concerning the election of the Constituent Assembly. Bahrain’s Constitution Bahrain followed the course of Kuwait in preparing a permanent Constitution for the country. In accordance with the Constitution and the realization of the political leadership for the necessity of forming a National Council to meet pressing public demands, the Amir, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa issued a Decree on July 11, 1973, stating the election regulations of the National Council. The National Council The election for the first National Council in Bahrain was held on Friday, December 7, 1973, with 114 candidates competing for 30 seats and 27,000 registered voters, as compared to 22,000 registered voters for the Constituent Assembly. H.H. the Amir pronounced that December 10, 1973 was the date for the first ordinary session of the first legislative term and in December 12, 1973, the Amir issued an Amiri Order by which he ordered Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to head the new Cabinet. On Sunday December 23, 1973, the Council convened for its first working session, but not long before it was clearly obvious that the Council was facing periods of tension and immaterial discussions. This situation remained until June 30, 1974, which brought an end to the first legislative round. On Wednesday, October 22, 1974, the National Council convened its second round of the first legislative term. The mounting differences continued between the government and Members of the Council, which threatened the political stability and the administration of the country's affairs, and subsequently led the Prime Minister to submit the resignation of his Cabinet to the Amir on August 24, 1975. H.H. the Amir issued on August 26, 1975, the Amiri Decree No. 13 for 1975 which dissolved the National Council. Obviously, it was a hard decision on all, including the leadership, the government and the people of Bahrain. Shura Council On December 20, 1992, the Amiri Order No. 10 for the year 1992, was issued on the Internal Regulation By-laws of the Shura Council. Followed by the Amiri Order No. 14 (1992), calling for the Shura Council to convene on January 16, 1993, and to recess on May 31, 1993. The Council effectively started its first session on Saturday, January 16, 1993, with an official inaugural Amiri Speech delivered by H.H. the Amir, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. In a further step to develop the Shura system in Bahrain, the Amir issued Order No. 12 for the year 1996, ordering the expansion of the Council to 40 members instead of 30. This guaranteed a wider representation of society in the Council and provided a higher participation of skilled, qualified and specialized members which is essential in meeting the national development requirements. The Amiri Order No. 12 of 1996 (Articles 2 & 3), granted Members of the Council higher powers than the previous Council. Constitutional Monarchy Government system of Bahrain now is a constitutional monarchy as may be prescribed by the constitution and the Amiri Decree on succession. The Amir is the head of state. His person is inviolable. He is the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, the symbol of national stability and the fulcrum of government system of the state of Bahrain. The Amir exercises his powers through ministers who are accountable to him. He appoints to, and relieves from, premiership and ministerial posts within his powers as prescribed by the constitution. Islam is the religion of the state. Islamic Shari'a is the principal source of legislation. Government system of the state of Bahrain is a democracy where all powers vest with the people. Sovereignty is exercised as pre- scribed by the constitution. Government in the state of Bahrain is based on the rule of law. The independence and immunity of the judiciary are two key guarantees for protecting rights and freedom. Citizens, men and women alike, have the right to participate in public affairs and political rights including suffrage and the right to contest as prescribed by law. Economic Fundamentals of the Society First - The Principle of Free Economy The economic system of the state of Bahrain is based on individual initiative, freedom of capital movement in terms of investment and transfer. It lays emphasis on the role of private sector in resource development as well as in activating the economy. Second - Private Ownership Private ownership is inviolable. Subject to law, every person has the right to dispose of his property. Third- Economic Justice and Balanced contracts Private ownership, capital and work are individual rights of a social nature. Law organizes such rights and the practice thereof on an economic and socially equitable basis. Fourth - Diversification of Economic Activity and Sources of National Income The idea was to avoid dependence on a single main source of income, to be able to ensure a reasonable standard of living for future generations and to avoid vulnerability to external economic fluctuation. Fifth - Environment and Wildlife Due to increasing pressure on scarce natural resources, the state of Bahrain has been bent upon rationalizing utilization of natural resources, environment- friendly development and public health. In so doing, it takes into account worldwide trends in preventing, and addressing, major environmental problems. Sixth - Public property and natural resources It is incumbent upon every citizen to protect the same while public authorities are under duty to take all necessary measures to maintain the same. Seventh - Labour and training providing citizens with support through continuous training and retraining would ensure infusing fresh blood and experience into labour market, with ensuring greater employment opportunities for citizens. Developments between 1930 to 1971 In 1935 work commenced on the oil refinery. Rapid expansion of the refinery continued until a refining capacity of 255,000 barrels a day was reached in 1978. In December 1934 the first tanker load of Bahrain oil entered the world market. In 1958 Bahrain signed a treaty with Saudi Arabia establishing marine frontiers between the two countries. In 1963 oil was found in the offshore field of Abu Safa. Commercial production began on 19th January 1966, and the Bahrain Government began to receive its negotiated share, with Saudi Arabia, of the net profits. In 1934 the first houses were constructed in Awali for BAPCO workers and subsequently the first modern planned town in Bahrain was built there. In 1929 Power House, on the corner of Municipality's Manama Garden, became operational to provide electricity for 2000 lamps and 200 fans. Developments between 1930 to 1971 In 1931 the Power Supply extended to Muharraq. In 1953 the Mahooz Power Station was completed as a result the power generating capacity increased substantially and power was supplied to many areas including many villages. In 1957 the water supply network was inaugurated to benefit some 3000 houses. In 1932 Bahrain's telephone service was initiated with 12 lines and one public telephone. In the early 1930's Bahrain's Airport started operation. In 1932 the first Imperial Airways airplane landed at Bahrain on its way to India. A new building was opened in 1961, followed by a terminal specifically designed for jumbo jets and other wide-bodied aircraft in 1971. In 1912 Mina Manama was built with a goods' warehouse. A deep- water harbor named Mina Salman was built and came into operation in 1967. Developments between 1930 to 1971 In 1955 Bahrain Broadcasting Station (BBS) came on air. In 1968 Earth Satellite Station was installed at the north of Askar near Ras Abu Jarjur. Bahrain's first surfaced road was built between Jabel Al Dukhan camp, for oil exploration, and Awali in 1926. In 1930 work began on the Sheikh Hamad Causeway between Manama and Muharraq and the causeway opened to road traffic in 1936. The causeway was completed with construction of a swing bridge spanning the deep-water channel connecting the two ends of Manama – the Muharraq causeway in 1942. In 1930 there were 200 vehicles in Bahrain including two lorries and a private vehicle for the British Political Agent. Bahrain's first petrol filling station was opened in 1938. In 1961 the number of registered vehicles was 6,500. History – final - topic 3 – 3B an efficient and effective government Bahrainis have the following aspirations for their government: 2.1 the government focuses on developing highquality policies 2.2 the public sector becomes more productive and is accountable for delivering betterquality services via leaner organisations and operations 2.3 a predictable, transparent and fairly enforced regulatory system facilitates economic growth 2.4 the sustainability of government finances is strengthened by reducing dependence on oil revenues to fund current expenditure 2.5 a world-class infrastructure links bahrain to the global economy These aspirations are explained in greater detail below: 2.1 the government focuses on developing high- quality policies The Government of Bahrain will gradually move away from mere service provision. It will shift its focus to generating and enforcing sound, forward-looking policies in critical areas, such as economy and finance, health care, education, the environment, security and social justice. Bahrain will follow international experience, which shows that governments significantly reduce costs and increase the quality of public services by outsourcing certain non-core government tasks and by fostering competitive dynamics in the provision of public services. Some of the steps the Government needs to take include: Building strong strategic, forward-looking as well as operational, implementation-focused capabilities in all government institutions Carefully selecting the services to be outsourced and actively seeking partnerships with the private sector Establishing effective and efficient regulation before and rigorous supervision after privatisation. Potential measures of success: Quality of administration index and public-sector accountability index, part of the World Bank’s MENA Economic Developments and Prospects Report. 2.2 the public-sector becomes more productive and is accountable for delivering better quality services via leaner organisations and operations The public sector will increase its productivity by becoming more efficient and effective. Bahrain will outperform its peers in reducing the size and cost of government. Its efficiency gains will come from leaner organisations and operations. We will stamp out inefficiency and eliminate duplicate process steps in those services that remain within public administration. Government institutions will enjoy a strong performance culture that puts customer interests and delivery of results at the centre of all its activities. As a result, it will design effective public policies and deliver high-quality services. Amongst other things, the Government will: Transform public sector human resource management Strengthen civil service governance Review and adjust government organization and processes to streamline them and increase transparency Establish a performance-management system that sets clear targets, measuring and linking the results of employees and institutions with comparable rewards Potential measures of success: Public sector wage bill as a share of GDP; World Bank ranking for government effectiveness and accountability. 2.3 a predictable, transparent and fairly enforced regulatory system facilitates economic growth A predictable, transparent and fairly enforced regulatory system is a critical prerequisite for economic growth. Bahraini businesses and individuals will reap the benefits of sound regulations, which will facilitate economic growth by keeping competition free and fair. Our judicial system will ensure that disputes in the business world are efficiently resolved in line with a fair interpretation of the existing laws and regulations. The strong regulatory framework, combined with a track record of fair enforcement, will strengthen investor trust and confidence in our free market economy. Examples of actions to be taken include: Striving for maximum quality and consistency of regulation Improving enforcement through increased inspection and stronger consequence management Continue Bahrain’s zero tolerance policy towards corruption and favouritism Upgrading the judicial system to ensure fair and speedy resolution of disputes Potential measure of success: Regulatory quality ranking, part of the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators 2.4 the sustainability of government finances is strengthened by reducing dependence on oil revenues to fund current expenditures To ensure lasting fiscal stability, the Government will increasingly reduce its dependence on oil revenues for funding recurrent expenditure. It will achieve this by generating additional sources of revenue and cutting inefficient spending. Subsidies for water, electricity, gasoline and food, for instance, will exclusively target the needy to reduce costs and avoid overconsumption of scarce resources. By funding the majority of its day-to-day expenditure from recurrent revenue independent of oil, the government will be able to apply oil revenues for the benefit of future generations, e.g., strengthening its education and health care and building an attractive living and business environment. To plan for a future without oil, we must lose no time in taking the following actions: Identifying potential sources of recurrent government revenues Reducing inefficient spending  Deciding how to invest oil revenues in ways that ensure the future prosperity of all Bahrainis Potential measure of success: Share of recurrent expenditure financed by recurrent revenues 2.5 a world-class infrastructure links bahrain to the global economy Bahrain will be fully linked to the global trade and information highways by 2030. To achieve this, the Government will attract public and private funds to create and maintain the required infrastructure and services. The country will have outstanding road, sea and air connections to global markets. Utilities (electricity, water and gas) and services (logistics, public transport and telecommunications) will be readily accessible and competitively priced, providing a stable base for businesses. Examples of initiatives to advance Bahrain’s infrastructure include: Improving overall planning processes for land utilisation, transportation networks, electricity supplies and other aspects of infrastructure including safety and security measures Accelerating private-sector involvement in the provision of public infrastructure services Potential measure of success: World Economic Forum’s Infrastructure ranking History – final - topic 4 – 4A Economic Developments & Diversification Bahrain's oil reserves are strictly limited by comparison to other Gulf States. At its one onshore field, Jabel Al-Dukham, discovered in 1932, production has been declining for the last decade. Its second oil field, Abu Saafah, is offshore and its production is shared with Saudi Arabia. New oil finds are considered unlikely, although renewed exploration was started in the early 1980s. The government has therefore spared no effort in attempting to diversify Bahrain's economic bases. Early industrial ventures like the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (Asry) or the Aluminium Bahrain Company (Alba) were conceived in the early stages of negotiation on Gulf economic integration, as was the 1975 decision to set up an offshore banking sector. Bahrain's private sector enterprises are largely involved in the production of beverages, plastics, tiles, concrete blocks, matches, nails, industrial gases, wood products, air conditioners, food manufactures, system-built houses and downstream aluminium products. Economic Developments & Diversification Manufacturing's growth has been erratic since the 1981/82 oil price declines. Fairly severe contractions of the industry took place in 1982, 1983 and 1984, with 1984 the only year prior to 1986 experiencing a positive rate of growth. Rapid diversification of the economy is of particular interest as oil reserves are depleted. Both the manufacturing and service sector (particularly banking) are expected to play a key role in the country's diversification efforts. The oil and gas sectors earn about two thirds of government revenues, but have only a 20-25 percent share of GDP. The successful implementation of offshore banking in the late 1970s and 1980s also served to ·'redirect the emphasis of job and wealth creation within the economy, while increasing overall operating costs across.various sectors. Aluminum The first major industry to be developed in Bahrain was Aluminum Bahrain (ALBA). ALBA was established in 1968 by a consortium of six international companies (mainly users of aluminum) and the Government of Bahrain, which originally held 19 percent of the shares. Bahrain had several advantages in attracting the aluminum industry: 1. The availability of cheap natural gas in large quantities, aluminum being an energy intensive industry. 2. Pelatively low labor costs (at the time of initial production). 3. In view of the capital intensity of aluminum, a favorable investment climate. Initially, however, the company suffered fairly high losses. By 1979, the Bahrain government was able to sell 20 percent of ALBA's equity to the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC). While aluminum prices have been increasing in recent years, there is some doubt that these gains can be sustained. In fact, plans to raise Gulf aluminum output to 750,000 - 1,000,000 tons a year are going ahead even though recent reports suggest that world aluminum output will rise even faster. However, most observers feel that much of the United States and European capacity is obsolete and sustained only by the current price levels for finished metal. Shipbuilding and Repair The second major joint venture and industrial enterprise established in Bahrain was the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) Which began operation in November 1977. Five Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) each own 18.84 percent of ASRY. ASRY's ability to compete for business both within the region and the world as a whole is limited by the fact that shipbuilding and repair is a labor-intensive industry and Bahrain is a relatively high wage country. Since low wage competitors are quite far away, except for Dubai, its location is certainly advantageous. Between 1979 and late 1981 Asry worked on an average of 110 vessles per year; by the mid 1980s the average was about 54. OAPEC's positive evaluation of ASRY was based more on strategic, long term developmental and diversification-fromoil considerations than on the basis of commercial profitability. As a result, ASRY's investors have been willing to subsidize the company's ambitious training program for 'Arabizing' its work force. Steel The iron pelletizing plant built by the Arab Iron and Steel Company (AISCO), an offshore public shareholding company, started production in early 1985, but was closed three months later because orders were so short that it could not function at even half its installed capacity of 4 million tons per year. Production started again in July 1985 in response to orders from Indian and Australian companies, and total output in 1985 amounted to 680,000 tons. Production in 1986 was estimated to have reached 1.5 million tons, although the plant was again closed during the summer. The company was then put into liquidation following the accumulation of some $200 million in debts. The Gulf Industrial Investment Company (GIIC) a subsidiary of the Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) purchased AISCO's fixed assets and production restarted in June 1988. Refining Refining in Bahrain is undertaken by the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco). Bapco was founded by the Standard Oil Company of California in 1929. Pioneering the discovery of oil in 1932 in the Arabian Peninsula, the company began exporting its products in 1934 before commencing refining activities in 1936. Bapco is an important contributor to modern Bahrain, accounting for a significant portion of the region’s energy-related activities. The company owns a 260,000 barrel-a-day refinery, storage facilities for 14 million barrels, a marketing terminal, and a marine terminal for its petroleum products. About one-sixth of this crude originates from Bahrain Field, with the remainder being pumped from Saudi Arabia through pipelines, with 95% of Bapco’s refined products being exports. A major portion of Bapco’s customer base is constituted by the Middle East, India, the Far East, South East Asia and Africa. Light Industries Bahrain's light industries include aluminum products, concrete blocks, paints, mattresses, air conditioning, dairy and poultry products, furniture, plastic bags, paper manufacture, fiberglass units and others. Still, the question remains why small industries are not doing better than they are and why there are not more of them. The usual reasons given include: 1. Lack of confidence on the part of technical trainees, and their general lack of marketing skills. 2. Bahrain finds it almost impossible to raise the necessary long-term financial backing needed to start up an independent manufacturing industrial venture. History – final - topic 4 – 4B a just, thriving society Bahrainis have the following aspirations for their society: 3.1 a high standard of social assistance gives all bahrainis an equal start 3.2 all bahraini nationals and residents have access to quality health care 3.3 a first-rate education system enables all bahrainis to fulfil their ambitions 3.4 a safe and secure environment 3.5 bahraini nationals and residents enjoy a sustainable and attractive living environment Let us look at what these aspirations entail: 3.1 a high standard of social assistance gives all bahrainis an equal start Bahraini society in 2030 will be a meritocracy where hard work and talent are rewarded with success. Basic care will be available irrespective of abilities, and all Bahrainis will enjoy equal opportunities. Some examples of initiatives essential for achieving this are: Targeting housing support and subsidies at those most in need Supporting and developing talented youths throughout the course of their education Encouraging private philanthropy and other support to charitable causes Potential measure of success: Share of households earning above the national minimum income 3.2 all bahraini nationals and residents have access to quality healthcare Bahrain will be a leading centre for modern medicine, offering high- quality and financially sustainable health care in the region. Patients will have the choice of public and private providers that meet international standards for health-care provision. Our health system will cater for the health-care needs of its rapidly growing and aging population and will address the key risk factors. The government will play a vital role in improving the health system along the following levers: Promoting and encouraging a healthy lifestyle  Providing quick, easy and equitable access to high-quality health care Ensuring regulation of the health-care system by an independent health regulator Developing, attracting and retaining health-care talent and fostering a high-performance ethic among all health- care employees Potential measures of success: Life expectancy and improvements in provider performance according to health-care regulatory standards 3.3 a first-rate education system enables all bahrainis to fulfil their ambitions Education empowers people to reach their full potential in business, government and society. It will shape and develop the successive generations of leaders that our country needs and will provide Bahrainis with the skills, knowledge and values that they need to become the employees of choice for high-valued added positions. Because education is essential for making this Vision a reality, we need to develop an education system that provides every citizen with educational opportunities appropriate to their individual needs, aspirations and abilities. Education and training need to be relevant to the requirements of Bahrain and its economy, delivered to the highest possible quality standards, and accessible based on ability and merit. To do this, we will develop a clear strategy for raising standards and performance in our schools, vocational institutions and universities. The strategy will need to: Focus on developing our most important educational resource, our teachers, by improving their recruitment and training, enhancing the management of their performance, improving  their image in society, and increasing the attractiveness of careers in teaching Provide quality training to our people in the applied and advanced skills required for global competitiveness and attract new industries to Bahrain Set standards for quality across the education sector, regularly review the performance of our educational and training institutions and compare them with those of our competitors Encourage research and development in universities to create the platform for a knowledge-based economy Potential measures of success: Improvement of educational institutions in independent quality reviews and national examinations; scores in international tests of school performance (for instance, TIMSS, PISA and PIRLS) 3.4 a safe and secure environment Bahrain will achieve safety and security through the provision of an integrated strategy to mitigate all risks and threats. Much is being done to reduce crime and violence and to reduce the vulnerabiliy to other risks. Some examples of initatives include: Adopting the latest technologies, and modernisation of police services and community policing programmes Promoting a culture of awareness for crime prevention Potential measures of success: Falling crime rates and developing joint disaster contingency plans 3.5 bahraini nationals and residents enjoy a sustainable and attractive living environment Bahrain will continue to be home to a rich and ancient culture and a sustainable natural environment. Various initiatives will be taken to promote and protect both. Protecting our natural environment will include: Conserving our natural spaces for future generations to enjoy Implementing energy-efficiency regulations (e.g., for buildings and electrical appliances) Directing investments to technologies that reduce carbon emissions, minimize pollution and promote the sourcing of more sustainable energy Ensuring an attractive living environment will include: Offering more – and more attractive – public spaces for families Providing more modern facilities that promote regular cultural and sports activities Enforcing laws on cultural preservation Making archaeological and Islamic sites a more prominent part of our cultural landscape Encouraging new generations of Bahrainis to gain experience and in-depth knowledge of our cultural heritage. Potential measures of success: Culture and Environment Index of the Economist Intelligence Unit Liveability Index: and concentration of air and water pollutants