MANAMA: Gulf Industry Fair 2017 was officially opened yesterday by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Industrial heavyweights from the region are geared up to welcome visitors, leading a strong line-up of 90 local and international exhibitors showcasing their products and services at the fair.
Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister toured the exhibition and appreciated its quality.
Jubran Abdulrahman, managing director of show organisers Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE), said: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to HRH the Prime Minister for providing his endless support to Gulf Industry Fair and its goals.”
Companies at the exhibition represent sectors such as aluminium, energy and environment, industrial metals, industrial processes and manufacturing, ports and maritime, industrial facilities and logistics, training for industry and fire and safety.
“We are proud of the quality of this year’s line-up. Gulf Industry Fair 2017 highlights Bahrain’s development and all aspects of infrastructure in the industrial sector.
“Exhibitors include
“Made in Bahrain” manufacturers who promote the country’s capabilities to international investors who are major contributors to the region’s economic development,” added Mr Abdulrahman.
As the Northern Gulf’s undisputed trade and logistics hub – and a strategically located manufacturing base for companies looking to access major regional markets like Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province – Bahrain has for the past 10 years proven to be the ideal venue for the fair, attracting company owners, procurement officers, traders and businessmen from the kingdom and further afield.
“Gulf Industry Fair is dedicated to promoting the economic opportunities arising from the march to diversify the economies of the GCC, and this year’s event showcases the wide variety of products manufactured in the GCC,” said Mr Abdulrahman.
The Gulf Industry Fair 2017 builds on the legacy left by previous editions of the show, he added.
“Despite a regional slowdown caused by low oil prices, ongoing investment in the GCC’s industrial infrastructure remains strong,” he said.
“Notably, Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision blueprint is likely to be a key driver of the Gulf’s industrial ambitions in the coming years as the region’s biggest economy accelerates diversification efforts.”
After a hugely successful India Business Partnership Summit yesterday, the second forum of the fair this year will be “GIF Dialogue: Future of Industry in the GCC” today.
There will also be seminars on Solar Energy and Gulf Projects tomorrow.
As in previous years, GIF 2017 is supported by some of Bahrain’s industrial icons.
Alba is the show’s aluminium sponsor. Currently in the midst of an expansion, Alba plays a crucial role in creating a vibrant community of down
stream aluminium industries – including the likes of fellow exhibitors Balexco, Midal Cables and Ameeri Industries.
National oil company Bapco with the National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga), is fronting the energy and environment segment of the show, as it outlines to visitors its current and future investment programmes.
Majaal, a developer and operator of industrial facilities primarily for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), is once again the principal sponsor of the logistics and industrial facilities sector, where it is not only showcasing the successes of its business model but also demonstrating Bahrain’s credentials as an investment destination.
Naffco, a leading supplier and producer for fire protection products, is a first-time sponsor of the fire and safety segment.
Supporting organisations include AHK Saudi Arabia, India’s PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the German Saudi Arabian Liaison for Economic Affairs, the Saudi British Economic Offset Programme and the Bahrain Industrial Association.
“We are grateful for the unwavering support of HRH the Premier in helping us establish Gulf Industry Fair as the ‘go-to’ exhibition for companies operating in the Northern Gulf’s expanding industrial markets.
“We look forward to providing the ultimate networking, knowledge sharing and deal making platform for all companies involved in the industrial sectors,” Abdulrahman added.
GIF 2017 is open from 9am to 7pm today and tomorrow. Visit www.gulfindustryfair.com for more information.
avinash@gdn.com.bh
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