Dr. Abdulla Al-Sadiq, Secretary-General of BCSR, received a delegation from various planning ministries and institutes in the GCC countries who were on a familiarization visit to BCSR.  Dr. Al-Sadiq spoke about the major research and study projects of the BCSR and the centre's role in social development.

In reply to a question about cooperation between BCSR and the GCC General Secretariat, from the visiting delegation,  Dr. Al-Sadiq replied that  cooperation already exists and that the GCC General Secretariat had  asked the BCSR to undertake studies on the feasibility and implementation of free trade agreements with India, China and Pakistan.

In reply to a question about the centre's  selection of research topics, Dr. Al-Sadiq replied that this depended on the urgent needs and issues facing society,  in addition to the response to requests for studies or contractual studies from various parties.  With regard to a question about the centre's interest in water issues, the Secretary-General replied that the centre is currently undertaking contractual studies for the Electricity and Water Authority in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Dr. Rashid Najim, Director of Social, Educational and Tourism Studies at the BCSR, presented a detailed presentation of the centre's vision and objectives, fields of research and accomplishments.  He added that the centre is involved in the measurement and analysis of economic, social, political, educational and scientific issues, and is also  working hard to develop the research capabilities of its research cadre.

Dr. Mohamed Al-Rumaidh spoke of the experience of the centre in public opinion measurement.  Although the centre has only been conducting these surveys for a short period of time, Dr. Al Rumaidh stated that opinion surveys have already been conducted for the Supreme Council for Women, the UNDP, the Southern Governorate, and the Housing Development Committee.  Dr. Al-Rumaidh added that public opinion surveys and measurement are seen as an important indicator of the commitment to democracy, and as democratic values deepen there are more activities in this field.