Bahrain has passed a decree approvingthe establishment of the country's first stock exchange, the
Gulf News Agency reported.
    The decree placed responsibilty for the stock exchange with
the Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture.
    There was no indication when the exchange will open.
    Banking sources said government officials are finalising
details of a building to house the exchange.
    Stock trading in Bahrain is currently conducted via a
telephone market.
 Reuter
