This week the spotlight is on legal and regulatory developments in Bahrain, where the Shoura Council has approved the bankruptcy law. A member of the Council’s Financial Committee, Darwish Almanaie said the aim of the legislation is to remedy some of the shortcomings of the existing bankruptcy law. Another Committee member, Sadeq Rahma said the law has been approved because it includes new provisions which are in line with updated laws and regulations and the requirements of commercial businesses. The law is expected to update bankruptcy procedures and establish a law for financial restructuring for enterprises and companies who will be subject to it. The law also regulates cross-border restructuring and bankruptcy procedures.

Elsewhere, the Public Utilities and Environment Committee of Bahrain’s Shoura Council has approved a draft law which would establish a public food safety body. The Food Authority would have its own legal personality and have administrative and financial independence. The Food Control Section of the Health Ministry is currently responsible for the safety of food produced or imported in to the country. The Health, Industry, Trade and Tourism, Works, Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning Ministries as well as the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry all approved the draft law.