However, he reaffirmed that the government is committed to restructuring and re-channelling state subsidies - rather than reducing them- to benefit only the deserving.

Al-Khalifa's comments come as the government called for new mechanisms to be explored to subsidise food products and redirect them to benefit only the deserving.

The government also raised the possibility of imposing indirect taxes.

Income taxes may also be imposed on companies and large enterprises, taking into account current GCC policies in these areas.

For full story see: http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/470457