The exhibitions and conferences industry is set for a major boost as part of efforts to bolster Bahrain's regional standing and attract investments.

The Premier yesterday gave directives during the Cabinet meeting to increase the zones allocated for specialised exhibitions. He instructed authorities concerned to earmark new sites in the Southern Governorate, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The Premier ordered a thorough review of decisions, which may hamper government's efforts to turn Bahrain into a regional centre for trade, investments and specialised exhibitions and conferences, the report stated.

The session also discussed ways of speeding up the ratification of certificates of origins with the aim of streamlining import procedures.

In 2013, the Industry and Commerce Ministry approved 165 licences for new investment projects worth BD140 million ($369 million). The session commended the ministry's efforts.-TradeArabia News Service