Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04MANAMA1355
2004-08-30 14:44:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manama
Cable title:  

BAHRAINI CABINET APPROVES DRAFT FTA

Tags:  PREL ETRD PGOV BA 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001355 

SIPDIS

LONDON FOR ETHAN GOLDRICH, DEPARTMENT PASS TO USTR WILLIAM
CLATANOFF AND JASON BUNTIN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/30/2014
TAGS: PREL ETRD PGOV BA
SUBJECT: BAHRAINI CABINET APPROVES DRAFT FTA

Classified By: Ambassador William T. Monroe for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001355

SIPDIS

LONDON FOR ETHAN GOLDRICH, DEPARTMENT PASS TO USTR WILLIAM
CLATANOFF AND JASON BUNTIN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/30/2014
TAGS: PREL ETRD PGOV BA
SUBJECT: BAHRAINI CABINET APPROVES DRAFT FTA

Classified By: Ambassador William T. Monroe for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (U) On August 29 the Bahraini Cabinet approved the current
draft of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United
States. Press reports on the Council,s decision followed a
familiar refrain, highlighting the FTA's economic benefits,
particularly the potential for job creation, as well as
duty-free access to the U.S. market for goods produced or
"substantially transformed" in Bahrain, including textiles
and 96 percent of agricultural and manufactured goods. The
Cabinet also formally delegated authority to the Minister of
Finance and National Economy Abdullah Saif to sign the
agreement.


2. (C) During the Ambassador,s August 30 call on Minister of
State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar (septel),
Ghaffar confirmed Minister Saif will visit Washington in
mid-September to sign the FTA with USTR Zoellick. The
Bahraini Embassy in Washington now has an economic officer,
Dr. Nasser Belooshi, to work on FTA implementation and
identify ways that Bahrain can benefit from the FTA. The GOB
wants to encourage development of the private sector.


3. (C) Comment: While the Cabinet's approval was expected,
the GOB has used its seal of approval to again send a strong
message that the FTA offers real opportunities and tangible
benefits to Bahrainis. Expectations are high and as the
signing nears the Embassy will continue to work closely with
GOB officials and Washington agencies on implementation
strategies.
MONROE