ORGANISERS of an international businesswomen’s forum in Bahrain are targeting the signing of deals worth at least $16 million.
Participants from at least 10 countries will be taking part in the event later this year. Hundreds of delegates from countries across Asia, Europe and the Middle East are expected to attend the Second International Businesswomen’s Forum and B2B Exhibition.
It will be held from November 12 to 14 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay under the patronage Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and president of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), which has adopted female engineers as the theme for its annual Bahraini Women’s Day celebrations this year.
“The forum and exhibition this year complements the success achieved last year in the economic arena,” Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society president Feryal Nass told a Press conference at the society’s premises yesterday.
“This formed an economic point of contact between Bahraini businesswomen and their counterparts from around the world through partnerships and trade exchanges, with the participation of a number of government officials, academics and business leaders in various sectors of industry, economy, financial institutes, home economics universities and business training centres.
“The forum and exhibition will include workshops and lectures by high-calibre people, at least as high or even better than last year’s.
“The event will involve participation of about 200 businesswomen in the presence of 300 participants, with business leaders from Bahrain, Gulf countries, the Arab world, East Asia and the world.”
Last year deals worth $8 million were signed during the expo and Ms Nass said she hoped to “at least double” that this year.
“This pioneering exhibition will be an opportunity for businesswomen to learn about the experiences of others, share their own experiences and learn about the success stories of their counterparts in other countries,” she said.
“We can also discuss the challenges they face as well as complete business partnerships and economic co-operation and make deals.
“This will contribute to enhancing the opportunities for investment in the local market to serve the economy and to emphasise Bahrain’s ability to compete globally.
“Last year we signed $8 million in contracts, although the scope for the whole conference could have been as much as $30 million.
“This year I hope we manage to at least double the $8 million.
“The expectation is higher because of this year’s theme (of the SCW) with engineers and architects - and generally those who can put investment in Bahrain.”
Registration for the forum will open next week and for more information, visit www.bahrainbusinesswomen.com.
laala@gdn.com.bh
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