The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), and GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the world’s major gemological research organization, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the state's gemstone and pearl testing laboratory (GPTLB) into a world-class facility for research into the production of natural pearls.

Under the terms of the MoU, each party will work together to protect and enhance Bahrain’s pearling industry, with the aim of developing capacity, research, expertise and technological know-how at the GPTLB, as well as identifying further opportunities for the sector to grow.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Hassan Abdullah Fakhro expressed his thanks to Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for the initiative in developing the pearl industry across Bahrain that would contribute in bringing the state back to its previous era as the world pearling center. He affirmed that the initiative will benefit the government, Bahrainis and those in the industry.

“By working in partnership with the GIA, the GPTLB will be provided with the facilities and expertise required to capitalize on regional and international trade and investment opportunities in this fast growing sector,” he added.

Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain EDB Kamal bin Ahmed said: “This initiative, led by the crown prince, is a positive and crucial step toward reaffirming Bahrain’s position as a world-leading natural pearling center.”

He added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Gemological Institute of America. Historically, pearling was the backbone of our economy, and we want to capitalize on our heritage, combined with world-class techniques and processes, to create a center of excellence for the industry here in Bahrain”.

GIA Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer Tom Moses said: “We are honored to contribute GIA’s expertise and research, and to work alongside the EDB and the MOIC to build on Bahrain’s history and reputation, as a leading center for natural pearl research and production.”

The agreement builds on Bahrain’s history as a world pearling center, an industry which was once the backbone of the Kingdom’s economy.

The Pearl Route is the result of BD10 million project, by the Ministry of Culture, to renovate one of Bahrain’s oldest neighborhoods and maintain the artifacts and cultural heritage from the country’s pearl diving industry. The pearling site has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.