Tamkeen, Bahrain’s Labour Fund, will support up to 16 Bahraini entrepreneurs at its pavilion at a major regional industry fair.

The third Gulf Industry Fair (GIF) will be held from January 12 to 14, 2010 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), said organisers Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE).

Tamkeen, an independent government authority set up to support local businesses and promote high calibre Bahraini talent, is selecting participating enterprises based on eligibility criteria, including a proven commitment to Bahrainisation.

The Bahrain Young Entrepreneurs Association (BYEA) is assisting in the promotion of this initiative and the registration process.

Support for enterprises at GIF is part of an enterprise development support agency (EDSA) agreement signed between Tamkeen and professional advisory services firm KPMG.

The enterprise development support programme, a BD12 million ($31.8 million) initiative, aims to improve private sector productivity by supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs through co-financing, consultancy services and technical support.

“The enterprise development support programme supports companies by providing professional tools for businessmen who intend to make a real change in their business and improve the efficiency of their workers,” said Abdulellah Al-Qassimi, CEO, Tamkeen.

“Gulf Industry Fair is a high profile event which will act as a springboard for local business talent,” he added.

Jubran Abdulrahman, managing director, HCE, said Tamkeen’s participation in GIF is of national strategic importance.

“Tamkeen plays an integral role in enhancing the productivity of the Bahraini workforce, which ultimately delivers long-term economic benefits to the Kingdom,” Abdulrahman said.

“We look forward to welcoming Tamkeen and the dynamic, ambitious enterprises it supports, to the exhibition”.

GIF is a highly targeted opportunity for companies marketing products or services aimed at the Northern Gulf’s industrial sector.

In addition to Tamkeen, many local and international companies have confirmed participation in the 2010 edition, which is set to surpass the 2009 event in terms of exhibitor numbers and space sold. – TradeArabia News Service