MANAMA: Evolving trends and new opportunities in regional procurement and supply processes were the focus of a three-day conference that opened in Bahrain yesterday.

Housing Minister and Tender Board chairman Bassem Al Hamer inaugurated the first Procurement Middle East Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

More than 100 delegates are attending the two-day conference, being held under the minister’s patronage.

Thirteen experts will discuss evolving trends and new opportunities in the region’s procurement and supply processes.

Organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the conference will analyse how procurement can be effectively managed in the ever-changing business landscape in current and future economic conditions.

“Bahrain has a track record as a modern international business economy stretching back several decades and has always been a regional pioneer, with a constant drive for further improvements and innovations,” said Mr Al Hamer.

“Since its inception, the Tender Board has achieved remarkable success and has earned a reputation for its integrity, fairness, competitiveness and equal opportunity.

“It has also achieved total transparency in all aspects of purchasing procedures by the government.

“This has undoubtedly played a major role in boosting investors’ confidence in the nation’s economy, and enhancing the prestigious status of the kingdom, both regionally and internationally.

“As the governing authority in government tenders and purchases, the Tender Board is committed to supporting the kingdom’s far-reaching programme of economic, business and social reforms, and is delighted to support important conferences such as Procurement Middle East.”

Headline speakers on the first day of the conference included Hariharan Laxminarayan, senior associate of purchasing (GM), supply chain management corporate services, Emirates Global Aluminium, the UAE; Bahrain National Gas Company manager of materials and sales Khalid Al Rafaei and Saudi Ceramics head of supply chain Naiyer Hussain.

Corruption in procurement, strategies for supplier performance measurement and management, and the rebranding of the procurement function will be discussed at the summit.

“With the new realities of the business environment in the region, procurement processes in organisations, both public and private, are now under the spotlight,” said Messe Frankfurt Middle East chief executive Ahmed Pauwels.

“Changing trends in global sourcing and outsourcing, procurement management, inventory and warehouse management, contract management and negotiation of contracts are now becoming all the more important given the current economic conditions.

“The conference brings these topics under sharp focus, ensuring delegates and organisations can maintain streamlined procurement processes that are vital to the success of any business or enterprise.”