Final hurdle
Gulf Daily News
Final Hurdle
By Mohammed Al A’Ali
26 April 2006
MANAMA: Six laws that should allow Bahrain’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US to be enacted were passed by MPs in a single sitting yesterday.It means the FTA could finally come into effect by July.
Negotiations concluded in 2004 and both countries have already ratified the agreement, but it can only be implemented once Bahrain upgrades certain legislation affecting bilateral trade.
The six laws relate to commercial secrets, country of manufacture distinction, production and distribution of CDs, trademarks, electronic dealings and innovations copyright.
They were distributed to MPs five days before yesterday’s session for review.
Industry and Commerce Dr Hassan Fakhro told MPs yesterday that Bahrain must submit the new laws to the US Congress before June 15, so that it can finalise the FTA before its break on July 1.
Having been passed by MPs the laws will now go to the Shura Council for approval, before being sent back to the Cabinet.
"These laws will be approved by the Cabinet immediately and then announced in the Official Gazette because no time is left," warned Dr Fakhro.
