Floor space of exhibitions and trade fairs in Bahrain grew 10 per cent last year over the previous year, signalling resurgence in retail trade and consumer sentiment, a top official has said.

Another key indicator of the revival was the growth by a similar percentage in the number of commercial registrations last year, Industry and Commerce Ministry Under-Secretary for trade affairs Nader Almoayyed was quoted as saying in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

"The ministry has been actively supporting exhibitions as their role in boosting economic activity is well-documented," he said.

"Such shows present a range of valuable opportunities for companies that participate, including meeting potential customers, finding new and better ways of doing business and building a more impressive reputation within an industry," he added.

Almoayyed was speaking after the opening of the second Bahrain Retail Fair and Seminar yesterday.

The official was deputised by Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro to preside over the opening.

Malaysian Ambassador Dato Ahmed Shahizan Abdul Samad and US Ambassador Thomas Krajeski along with prominent businessmen were present on the occasion.

Being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, the four-day event is organised by AMG Group.

AMG Group chief executive Abdulhameed Al Asfoor said the success of the event's inaugural edition last year had led them to expand its footprint this year.

"This year we have "MAZAD", Bahrain's first automotive auction, running alongside the shopping festival.

"This will enable customers to buy new and certified pre-owned vehicles at attractive prices. Overall, the event is spread over 30pc more floor space than last year," he added.

"Through the fair, we are doing our bit to help traders liquidate their inventory and clear out unsold stock as a new year unfolds. By having the festival run through the weekend, we expect substantial number of visitors from Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.”

Al Asfoor said he expected more than 20,000 visitors to attend over the course of four days. Tamkeen has supported the participation of many Bahraini companies at the event. – TradeArabia News Service