- Zainab: To impose a tax system in concluded air and international agreements
The Minister of Transportation and Communications, Mohammed Al-Kaabi, said that the number of passengers traveling through Bahrain International Airport from January to September of the current year 2023 reached 6.4 million passengers, achieving an increase of 33%, compared to last year during the same period.
He pointed out that the numbers show that airport traffic is steadily increasing, and it is hoped to reach the same number of passengers before the Corona (Covid-19) pandemic by next year 2024.
This came in light of the Council’s review and approval of the report of the Public Utilities and Environment Committee regarding a draft law ratifying the agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of the Republic of Korea regarding air services between and beyond their territories, attached to Decree No. (61) of 2023.
He stressed the importance of this agreement for the Kingdom of Bahrain and the national economy, as it allows national carriers between the two countries to enter into tenders related to air freight and other matters.
He pointed out that “it is unreasonable to operate airlines with countries with which we do not have diplomatic representation.”
For his part, MP Zainab Abdul Amir said, “We signed many air and international agreements, and because the Kingdom of Bahrain does not have a tax system, it will never benefit from these agreements.”
She stressed the importance of imposing investment taxes before signing any international air agreement, noting that these agreements will be of no use without a tax system for investments in the Kingdom of Bahrain and will be limited only to air traffic.
For his part, Representative Ahmed Al-Saloum stressed the importance of this type of agreement. Because they contribute to achieving a higher occupancy rate at Bahrain International Airport and enhancing air freight and related subsidiary economic activities, and given the direct positive effects that such agreements can have on the national economy and intra-tourism, as well as contributing to creating more job opportunities for Bahraini youth, And generate various business opportunities.
Al-Salloum stressed the need to clarify the specific perceptions of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As they are the two bodies concerned with attracting foreign investments, and they truly represent the financial and business community in the Kingdom, as they have detailed information about suppliers, supply centers, and airlines.
Al-Salloum said, “The report of the technical committee was devoid of the opinion of the Ministry of Tourism, despite its direct relationship to the effects of the air transport agreements, including stimulating intra-state tourism and increasing the number of tourists to the Kingdom. We also did not see the opinion of the national carrier (Gulf Air) itself, whether it would increase From its logistical operations, or does it have other plans, as knowing the perception of the relevant parties will contribute to improving future agreements, and determining the priorities and lines that we should target.”
In addition, the Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Qarata, stressed the need to clarify whether the agreement relates to North Korea only, South Korea, or both, considering that a grave error. Committee Chairman Hisham Al-Awadi responded to him, explaining that it is stated in the report that it is in Seoul, and therefore it is clear. It’s in South Korea.
