US embassy cable - 04MANAMA1355

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