Expo City project moves to next phase

Manama, Bahrain: H.E. Dr. Hassan A. Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Chairman of Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (BECA), announced the formation of a new company which has been created to lead the development of the new Expo City planned to be constructed in Sakhir, close by Bahrain International Circuit. Dr. Fakhro pointed out that this project which is inline with Bahrain National Economic Strategy 2030 Vision, was developed as a major part of the Ministry of Industry & Commerce Strategy 2009,/2010-2012 and presented to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Board in mid of 2009 aiming to consolidate the Kingdom's position as a strong regional and global destination for the MICE industry. The new company named the "Bahrain Exhibitions and Conventions Company" is a joint venture made up of BECA, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holdings Company and private sector businesses, represented by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The project when completed will establish Bahrain on the international arena, as a unique and key MICE destination.

Dr. Fakhro commented that the new company will own and oversee the development of the new purpose built facility designed to be on par with world-class exhibition and convention centres, saying "this is an exciting time for the exhibitions industry in Bahrain and that this enterprise will allow for major growth in the Kingdom’s exhibitions sector".  He added that this company which will provide first-rate venue and operations management is a business focus company aiming to create shareholder value, and through active participation of the private sector will represent a significant GDP driver for the Bahrain economy and the development will offer increased employment opportunities for Bahrainis.

A number of architect’s options for the development have already been assessed and business plans and strategies are currently being worked on to a maximize on this opportunity. The new centre's development initially sized 50,000 sq. mtrs., will be constructed in phases on an area of 150,000 sq. mtrs. of completed facilities that are expected to enhance Bahrain’s capacity to attract major MICE events into the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Currently the venue operator for the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC), BECA has a mandate to market the Kingdom as a preferred, all year-round, business destination, cultivating partnerships with key MICE industry stakeholders by pursuing market development work in the international business arena. BECA has partnered with Mumtalakat and the private sector through BCCI in order to maximize the development of the new centre which will incorporate a new exhibition and convention centre along with a hotel, a multi-purpose indoor arena, a commissary area, shopping, leisure and entertainment services. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed end 2013.

-ENDS-

Arabic Edition Click here