Private sector interest in Bahrain's business tourism sector has gained momentum with the signing of an agreement between Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (Beca) and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

The agreement formalises the partnership between BCCI and Beca and confirms the chamber's commitment to support the growth, competitiveness and well-being of Bahrain's business tourism industry by promoting the activities of Beca among its members and the various chambers of commerce in the GCC and the rest of the Arab world.

Beca's commitment to the agreement entails providing various marketing and promotional opportunities for BCCI as well as new business opportunities for its members through BECA's international exhibitors and visitors wishing to appoint local agents and distributors or team up with local partners to sell/promote their products and services locally and to the region.

Beca acting chief executive officer Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen represented the authority at the signing ceremony whilst BCCI treasurer and acting chief executive officer Othman Mohamed Sharif Alrayes signed on behalf of the chamber.

"This is an exciting time for Bahrain business tourism and we are encouraged by BCCI's commitment to the industry," said Stanford-Kristiansen. "Together, we are going to make it happen. Partnerships are vital to the success of the Mice industry.

"We strongly believe that the drive for business tourism projects must come from stakeholders such as private sector companies. They know first hand what the local needs and priorities are."

Alrayes expressed his appreciation to Beca and the Industry and Commerce Ministry, particularly to Beca board chairman and Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro for his support for the private sector.

"We are very appreciative of the ministry's contribution to economic development in Bahrain through this important industry," he said.

"A good working partnership between BCCI and Beca will ensure that Bahrain continues its economic growth," he added.-TradeArabia News Service