Wednesday, July 23rd 2008: As international retail giant AZADEA prepares for an ambitious expansion in the Middle East and Bahrain, the Labour Fund has stepped into support the move with a promise to lay the foundation in Human Capital Development for the Bahrain operations through retail sector training.

A MoU was signed by the Labour Fund and Azadea in Azadea Group head office at the Bahrain Financial Harbour. The LF was represented by the Vice-President for Enterprise and Human Capital Development, Dr. Ahmed Abdul-Ghani. Azadea Group was represented by its Country Manager Mr. Rodolphe Melki.

"A key role of the Labour Fund is to facilitate Bahrain's growth and development by helping the private sector to access world-class employees and training," Dr. Abdul-Ghani said, "With the retail market growing so rapidly and attracting world-famous names, this sector represents a great opportunity for Bahrainis to post their careers on a winning trajectory with right skills and trainings. Since a proportionate part of the Labour Fund's efforts focus on expanding the talent pools available to the retail sector, we are well-positioned to help organisations like Azadea to plan and optimise their human resources training."

Dr. Al Shaikh added: "Bahrainis, with their educational head-start and strong work ethics make the Kingdom a great arena for retail business expansion, which is a HR-driven services sector. We are confident that by tapping into the Labour Fund's resources, we can work towards a win-win situation for Azadea and Bahraini job market entrants."

Mr. Rodolphe said: "Azadea Group is a key player in the regional retail business. For our ambitious expansion plan in Bahrain, we are happy to work hand in hand with the Labour Fund in order to contribute to the development of young Bahrainis. "I am sure that our know-how and our combined efforts will lead to the formation of tomorrow's retail professionals and leaders" added Mr. Melki.

Azadea, which already has a sophisticated market presence in Bahrain with various fashion and food outlets, will be expanding further in the Kingdom's booming retail sector by opening 25 new outlets in Bahrain City Centre.

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© Press Release 2008