Mubasher: Bahrain awarded $1.6 billion (BHD 607 million) worth of government contracts during the first quarter (Q1) of 2021, according to official data.

The total value of the awarded tenders increased 23% year-on-year (YoY) from $1.3 billion (BHD 492 million) in Q1-20, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing economic activity. The number of contracts was also up by 25% on an annual basis.

In terms of value, the oil sector had the largest share with $767 million (BHD 289 million) worth of contracts in Q1-21, followed by the aviation segment with contracts worth $382 million (BHD 144 million).

The growth in tenders value was partly driven by projects linked to Bahrain’s $32 billion infrastructure expenditure.

“Improvements made to Bahrain’s e-tendering system over the last year “are just part of a wider digitalisation drive that is realising greater efficiencies, benefiting the private sector and taking full advantage of Bahrain’s advanced digital infrastructure,” Chairman of the Tender Board, Shaikh Nayef bin Khalid Al Khalifa, commented.

In terms of the purchasing authorities, Tatweer Petroleum was the biggest spender with $509 million (BHD 192 million) worth of awarded contracts.