Showcasing industry

MORE THAN 100 exhibitors from 21 countries are participating in the fifth Gulf Industry Fair (GIF) which opened yesterday under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The three-day event, organised by Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) is being held at Hall 1 of the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC), and features some of the biggest names in the industrial sector of the Northern Gulf and beyond, showcasing their products, services and capabilities to regional visitors.

This year, GIF’s status as a positive showcase of Bahrain’s industrial capacity has been greatly enhanced by support from Tamkeen. Under the terms of its Tarweej support programme, 38 of the 107 exhibiting companies at the fair are receiving a subsidy of 80 per cent of their participating costs. Among those exhibitors benefitting are Balexco, Al Thawadi, Ameeri Industries and Electrical Mechanical Industries in the Fair’s dedicated Alumunium Zone, as well as several other companies in the Energy and Ports & Logistics Zones.

Jubran Abdulrahman, HCE managing director, said: “The one-shop approach Tamkeen has taken by appointing  HCE as a packager of applications for Tarweej has proved a success. Through the strategic partnership, we have promoted Tarweej via HCE’s marketing and business development expertise. This cost-effective strategic partnership ensures Bahrain’s small and medium-sized enterprises benefit through Tamkeen’s programmes.”

This year, for the first time, GIF features a national pavilion from Holland, while several companies are making their debut. More than 20 companies representing the downstream aluminium industry are participating, reflecting that sector’s importance to Bahrain’s diversified economy.

“For this year’s show we have developed and built upon the successful aspects of the 2011 Fair, resulting in vibrant zones for the aluminium, energy and ports and logistics sectors. We look forward with eager anticipation to welcoming exhibitors and visitors to this year’s Fair, which takes place in an environment of industrial investment and promotion across the GCC,” added Mr Abdulrahman.

The show’s strategic sponsors include Bahrain’s National Oil & Gas Authority in association with the Bapco; Alba, one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters; British Offset and the General Organisation of Sea Ports, Bahrain’s maritime regulator.

Supporting organisations include the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, British Expertise, the German Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce, The Gulf Aluminium Council and Machinery Trade International.
 
The exhibition is open to trade visitors from 10am to 7pm today and tomorrow.