Information and communications technology (ICT) companies in Bahrain need to think beyond geographical boundaries and target regional markets, experts have urged, said a report.

"The Bahrain market is small and highly competitive due to the well-entrenched existing international firms," industry expert and cloud computing evangelist Dr Jassim Haji said in the report by the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

According to him, the ICT business by its very nature is not limited by geographical boundaries.

"Bahrain has always been a pioneer in ICT services, thanks to its highly-skilled human resources and lowest cost of operations in the region," he said.

"The infrastructure that makes Bahrain attractive as a hub for international companies is already in place.

"What the kingdom lacks is effective marketing," he added.

He advised local players to focus on innovate technologies like cloud computing, software development and mobile solutions and look to serve the whole region.

"Participating in leading exhibitions like Dubai's Gitex Technology Week is the gateway to business opportunities in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asian region," Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH) chairman Ubaydli Ubaydli said.

"Most reputed international technology companies participate annually at the largest exhibition of its kind in the region, and they always look for investment opportunities," he added.

Featuring more than 3,500 companies, Gitex draws nearly 138,000 industry visitors from more than 144 countries.

This year the event is scheduled to be held from October 20 to 24.

"For the seventh time, a Bahrain Pavillion will be featured at the event," said WorkSmart for Event Management chief executive Ahmed Al Hujairy. The company is the co-ordinator and organiser of the pavillion.

"We are expecting the largest yet number of Bahraini participants with 35 companies already registered," he added.

Tamkeen has made participation very easy and affordable, he said.

"For eligible Bahraini companies, the authority subsidises up to 80 per cent of the total cost of participation through its Tarweej scheme.

"The Bahrain pavillion is the destination for those who are looking for information about Bahrain and its ICT sector," he added.

Ubaydli and Al Hujairy also announced an initiative, offering representation to the participants of the pavillion and helping them to achieve mutual marketing goals.

"The idea is to ensure that the ICT sector in Bahrain achieves tangible benefits through its participation," Ubaydli said.

Gitex also features a number of product launches to a target audience of regional and international industry leaders.

Organisers said the event is focused on providing exhibitors with a high return on investment through direct business opportunities with key decision-makers. – TradeArabia News Service