Gulf Industry Fair (GIF) 2012, a major showcase of market-leading products, services and capabilities in Bahrain, got off to a strong start with the number of visitors attending from Saudi Arabia well ahead of the last edition.

More than 100 exhibitors from 21 countries are showcasing their products at GIF 2012, being organised by Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions from February 7 to 9.

The organisers were anticipating an even better turnout with significant positive feedback from exhibitors in the number of business enquiries they were receiving.

"GIF 2012 is again proving itself as the region's key industrial event which is a must as a showcase for local and regional industry," said organiser Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) managing director Jubran Abdulrahman.

"The growing success of the region's premier industry show is a statement about the healthy confidence in the industrial sector across the GCC," he added.

That was a view supported by exhibitors after the opening day.

"This is very much our show," said International Technical Supplies & Services executive director Ali Al Najjar.

"We find our type of customer here and it is an event that services our needs both in terms of visitors and other participating companies. The first year we attended, we only had a small booth but we have expanded that over the past five years.

"Every year we end the show with a couple of deals, mostly from Saudi. Given recent developments, this show is a lot busier than we expected," he said.

"I think the organisers have done a really good job in their marketing campaign," he added.

Midal Cables, which manufactures overhead cables for the electricity industry, had already three serious enquiries on the first day of the show.

"We sell all over the world from our plant here which employs about 1,000 people," said area sales manager Anil Kumar P.

"We come every year because it is a good show for customers to come and check our products and for us to meet utilities like electricity boards," he added.

Al Kuwaiti used the fair to launch its new Fein brand of power tools in the region.

"This is the first time that these drills are here," said director Ahmed Al Kuwaiti. "These are heavy industrial products that will be used by companies like Alba, Bapco and GPIC. The company that manufactures them actually invented power drills in 1895," he added.

The industrial solutions company deals in a wide range of products including bearings pumps and valves.

It also works with Flowrox which offers heavy duty valves and pumps.

"We operate from Bahrain because it is a good centre to cover the Middle East," said Flowrox area manager Jani Akkila.

"The good thing about this show is that you know you are only going to meet professionals looking for products." – TradeArabia News Service