News in Brief

Growth of trade seen: Official data issued by the Precious Metals Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry confirmed the growth of trade in precious metals and gemstones recently, reports Al-Anba daily.

According to the data, 36 new entities entered the market in the first three months of this year; as the department registered 36 new licenses for institutions and companies importing precious metals.

In addition, six new local workshops were registered within the same period. These workshops specialize in manufacturing and re-forming precious metals and all kinds of handicraft.

MEW in final discussion: The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy is currently in the final phase of discussions to award a contract for the construction and completion of two fresh water lines with a diameter of 1,600 mm from Mina Abdullah Complex to West Funaitees Complex and a low-saline water line with a diameter of 1,200 mm from Mina Abdullah Complex to Zour Complex, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources.

Sources disclosed the value of the contract is KD45.1 million and it is expected that the contract will be awarded soon. Sources affirmed the new water lines are in line with the expansion of new residential areas.

Unified contract eyed: The concerned parties are currently studying the possibility of drafting a unified rental contract for car rental offices for the benefit of car rental offices, insurance companies and renters, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources.

Sources disclosed that officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Interior, Insurance Sector and some owners of insurance offices recently discussed the mechanism to regulate the operations of car rental offices and prepare the terms of the unified rental contract.