His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has vowed more support to local exhibitors and called on the authorities to boost the kingdom's profile as a regional exhibitions hub.

The Premier, speaking after opening the 2014 editions of gulfBID, gulfInteriors and the Gulf Property Show in Bahrain,
said he has directed the government authorities concerned to provide the necessary support for Bahraini exhibitors participating in exhibitions in the kingdom and ensure that exhibiting costs are “more competitive”.

He also said Bahrain needed to host more exhibitions as they play a key role in the development of the kingdom’s trade and economy.

The Premier praised the increasing number of real estate projects in the kingdom, and commended the efforts of real estate developers while reiterating the government’s keenness on providing the necessary legislative support for such firms in order to protect them and attract more investors.

He said that the relevant ministries and government departments had already been instructed to hold meetings with investors and real estate developers in order to discuss the problems facing the sector and address them.

The Premier had words of praise for the “excellent” preparation and organisation of the three shows, adding that they supported the government’s strategies to hold more exhibitions, stimulate development and boost the urbanisation process in the kingdom.

Touring the exhibitions, the Premier reiterated the importance of organising such events as they helped lay the foundations for an urban boom.

He said the kingdom’s real estate sector has been solid and capable of withstanding all crises and challenges, and confirmed the government’s keenness to support the industry, given its crucial role as a major player in the kingdom’s economy and its ability to generate more jobs for citizens.

The Premier pointed out that the government would continue to support the real estate sector by providing more facilities to businessmen and investors to motivate them to enter the local market, and help restart stalled projects in order to preserve the rights of investors.

He also underlined the importance of partnerships with the private sector and added that the launch of more projects would help consolidate the real estate industry and boost tourism within the kingdom.

“The nation-building and development march will continue unwavering, and we have to go forward with all determination and resolve without paying attention to those seeking to disrupt the nation’s progress and prosperity,” he said.

“We are dealing with future challenges according to a comprehensive vision by focusing on achieving comprehensive political, economic and social development, within a flexible framework through which we improve citizens’ living standards and ensure that they all reap its fruits of development,” he added.

The Premier expressed his satisfaction over the exhibitors’ confidence in Bahrain’s real estate market, while expressing admiration of the array of products being exhibited at the events.

He also praised the efforts of the shows’ organiser Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) as well as the participants in their bid to project a bright image of the kingdom as a “pioneer in the exhibitions and conferences industry”.

Meanwhile, Anwar Abdulrahman, the chairman of Al Hilal Group, the parent company of HCE, extended his sincere thanks, appreciation and gratitude to the Premier for opening the shows, and lauded the Premier’s “interest in all events that benefit the national economy”.

He added that the Premier’s annual patronage of the three events reflected his pride in the progress of these sectors and their contributions to the country’s gross domestic product.

Bahrain’s Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Abdullah Fakhro, meanwhile, gave his thumbs up for the three exhibitions saying it was a “win-win” for the participants and the kingdom. “We are pleased with the exhibition,” he said.
“The quality of the exhibits is something we are proud of, and we trust that this type of exhibition and quality will continue. It’s a win-win for the exhibitors, Bahrain and everyone."- TradeArabia News Service