Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) has confirmed its strategic sponsorship of the upcoming Gulf Industry Fair (GIF) 2014, being staged in Bahrain next month.

This follows the signing of a Strategic Energy Partnership agreement with Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (HCE) for the show, which runs from February 4 to 6 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

GIF 2014 will be the sixth consecutive year that Bapco, as part of the National Oil and Gas Authority group of companies, has provided top level support to the Northern Gulf's landmark business-to-business (B2B) industrial exhibition.

Bapco will showcase its latest strategic upstream and downstream projects and investments - along with related commercial opportunities for exhibitors and visitors - at the fair.

"Bapco's sponsorship of the Energy and Environmental Protection segment of Gulf Industry Fair reflects the company's status as a prime economic driver in the kingdom, currently spearheading a raft of projects in support of Economic Vision 2030," HCE's parent company Al Hilal Group managing director Ronnie Middleton said.

"We look forward to deepening ties with our strategic partner at this year's show," he added.

"Exhibitions such as Gulf Industry Fair are vital in promoting the products and services offered by the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector in particular," Bapco chief executive Adel Almoayyed said.

"As a key driver of the energy sector in Bahrain, our support for this showcase is aimed at supporting this growing SME sector," Almoayyed added.

GIF 2014 is held during a period of sustained and stable oil prices, and as regional oil companies prioritise major capital investments in upstream, downstream and midstream projects.

In addition to energy and environmental protection, GIF 2014 will be a showcase for world-scale manufacturing plants, specialist equipment suppliers, distributors and agencies representing the key segments of aluminium, industrial processes and manufacturing, ports and maritime industries, industrial safety and security, logistics and industrial facilities, training for industry and industrial metal (steel and alloys). – TradeArabia News Service