GOOD NEWS FOR BAHRAIN’S EXHIBITION INDUSTRY

The Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (BECA) held its quarterly board meeting on Monday 21 June 2010 and presented exceptionally strong results, showing continued growth for the Kingdom’s exhibition industry despite a challenging global financial climate.  Chaired by His Excellency Dr. Hassan A. Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Chairman of BECA, the meeting reviewed BECA’s operational performance for the year to date.

Presenting figures for the first five months of the year, the Authority has divulged that it has already until the end of May reached 50% of last years annual achievement with more than 69 confirmed bookings taking place at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Authority (BIECC).  The authority is projecting to exceed last year’s annual total of 139 events and is already working on expanding its facilities in order to cope with increased future demand. 

The Minister stressed the significance that this result has on the continued growth and contribution of the exhibition industry to the Bahrain economy, saying “Bahrain is in a strong position and ideally situated to attract global exhibitions and conventions wishing to do business in the kingdom.  The steady growth in the number of exhibitions taking place here in the last five years is a testament to the government’s vision for the success of the exhibitions industry and we are proud to be part of this inspired strategy.”

In addition BECA is currently in the process of establishing a three-shareholder company in the name of “Bahrain Exhibitions & Conventions Company”, jointly with Bahrain Mumtalakat Holdings Company and the private sector through Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which will oversee the construction and development of the new ‘Expo City’ project planned to be built at Sakhir near the Bahrain International Circuit. 

Meanwhile BECA continued to do well at the existing premises with a number of key trade and business to business events taking place to date including Gulf International Industry Fair, Food & Hospitality Expo, Autumn Fair, Bahrain International Garden Show, Middle East Geo Science Conference & Exhibition, Middle East Financial and Technology Exhibition & Conference, Gulf BID & Gulf Interiors Exhibitions, Bahrain International Travel Expo, Middle East Refining & Petrochemicals Conference & Exhibition, E-Gov Exhibition & Conference and Energy & Water Conservation Expo.   BECA also show cased Bahrain’s facilities by hosting in the Kingdom for the very first time the UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Middle East and Africa Regional Open Seminar which was attended by delegates from more than 32 countries and hailed as a great success by all who attended.   

In addition to participation in China Aluminium 2010 and 8th Aluminium 2010, Essen, Germany, BECA organized exhibitions are also developing fast with an inaugural Health and Wellness Expo 2011, being planned for January 2011 highlighting everything to do with healthy living, nutrition, relaxation, spas, fitness, medical and alternative medicines.    Immediately following that in the month of February will be the 3rd Annual Food and Hospitality Expo 2011 which doubled in size last year and is looking likely to do the same again this year.

BECA continues to offer competitive and business to business opportunities, showcasing the facilities of the Kingdom to the rest of the world and as the expansion plans for providing the country with the latest, state-of-the-art exhibition and convention facilities come to fruition in the years ahead, the Kingdom can look forward to a surge in revenue and huge contribution to the national economy from this exciting industry.

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