The scheme will train 100,000 individuals in the MENA region with Bahrain taking the lead in training 20,000 individuals by 2017

Manama, 21 January 2016

Tamkeen announced its participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF)'s initiative: The New Vision for Arab Employment, launched this week to help tackle the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's high youth unemployment rate and close the skills gap.

Under the scheme 100,000 individuals, across the MENA region will receive skills training and job readiness preparation by the end of 2017, enhancing their employability and investing in the long-term economic growth of the region. As one of the Founding Partners, Bahrain labour fund Tamkeen has committed to provide training for up to 20,000 young people and to support the development of 2,000 of the Kingdom's entrepreneurs over the course of the next two years,  making Tamkeen one of the largest participators in the pledge.

Chairman of Tamkeen, Shaikh Mohammed Bin Essa Al Khalifa, said: "WEF's latest initiative is a valuable chance for the region to invest in the training and education of its promising young people and to help businesses to take advantage of the talent pool on their doorstep".

"Tamkeen is committed to providing training, advice and support for those who need it; by the end of 2015 we had  supported over 130,000 individuals and enterprises.  By participating in The New Vision for Arab Employment we hope to encourage more Bahrainis to fulfil their true potential. Bahrain already has in place the network of supporting institutions that will allow the beneficiaries of this initiative to develop and thrive and we look forward to working with these organisations to ensure their success."

Speaking from Davos where the WEF Annual Meeting is currently taking place, Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) commented on the launch of the initiative: "Developing the education and skills of the Bahraini workforce has always been a priority for the government. This has produced great results and Bahrain now has one of the most highly-educated populations in the region, but there is always more to be done.  Initiatives such as these are a great way to inspire people and encourage their personal development, and in Bahrain they will always find help and advice available from organisations like Tamkeen and the EDB".  

The New Vision for Arab Employment provides a platform to help business leaders in the region address factors contributing to unemployment and skills gap, to date, 14 regional organizations have made specific commitments to this goal including Saudi Telecom (STC), Zain Group, Al Shaya Group, King Abdullah Economic City, Jumeirah Group, Al Ghanim Industries, and Consolidated Contractors Company.

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About Tamkeen
Tamkeen is a semi-government organisation in Bahrain established in 2006 under Law Number (57) as part of the country's national reform initiatives, with the task of making the private sector as the key driver of sustainable economic development.

Underpinned by its 3 strategic pillars - enhancing quality, serving customers, and achieving results - the organisation provides an integrated range of programmes to create a solid foundation for a modern economy - such as SME financing, skills training, and entrepreneurship.

At the same time, these programmes address key challenges facing Bahrainis and businesses in the private sector at various stages of their development - from start-ups to mature companies, and from students to senior executives.

To date, Tamkeen's programmes have served around 120,000 Bahrainis and businesses.

More information available at www.tamkeen.bh

For media inquiries, please contact:
Tamkeen Marketing Communications Dept.
T:17-383333
F:17-382352
E:support@tamkeen.bh

Bahrain EDB
The Bahrain EDB is a dynamic public agency with an overall responsibility for attracting inward investment into Bahrain, and is focusing on target economic sectors in which the Kingdom offers significant strengths.

Key areas of focus include manufacturing, ICT, and logistics and transport services as well as other sub-sectors. The Financial Services sector in Bahrain is particularly strong and the EDB supports in the continuing growth of the banking industry and key sub-sectors, including Islamic Finance, Asset Management, Insurance and Re-Insurance.

For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit www.bahrainedb.com; for information about Bahrain visit www.bahrain.com

Contact:
May Taher, Bahrain Economic Development Board
Tel: +973 17 589 972
Email: internationalmedia@bahrainedb.com  

© Press Release 2016