Bahrain's exhibition industry is vitalising the national economy, Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said as he opened the
third annual Gulf International Exhibition for Building and Interior Design (gulfBID 2008) on Tuesday.

He praised the kingdom's ability to attract specialised international companies to organise international exhibitions and conferences.

"We give these exhibitions and conferences a lot of importance as they play a significant role in promoting products and contribute to the economic development of the kingdom and its construction sector," he said at the opening ceremony of gulfBID.

"Bahrain's development momentum has rendered the kingdom an open market for construction materials," he said, adding that the exhibition industry allows to open new markets for Bahraini and foreign investors and provides a favourable ground to boost trade exchange.

The Prime Minister hailed gulfBID 2008 as one of the specialised exhibitions showcasing the latest construction and interior design innovations.

He toured the exhibition and was briefed on the exhibits displayed by 200 international companies, representing latest innovations in the world of decor, construction and designs.

The Premier stressed the importance of such exhibitions amid Bahrain's unprecedented construction boom, which needs to tap on the latest technologies in designs and decor.

"gulfBID marks a turning point in commercial exhibitions held in Bahrain in terms of size and quality of products on display," Shaikh Khalifa said.

He praised the initiatives undertaken by the private sector and its growing contribution to the national economy.

"The government is focusing on exhibition industry, given its role in promoting the kingdom's ability to boost industries by benefiting from the expertise of visitors from around the world," the Premier said.-TradeArabia News Service