Preparations are underway for the first Bahrain International Natural Health Products and Green Expo at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, which takes place next year.

A large number of American retailers, manufacturers and leaders in the organic products industries, are expected to take part, said organisers.

The expo is a joint venture between Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (BECA) and Los Angeles-based Mind, Body and Beyond (MBB) Expo Management, its first event outside the US.

The three-day event, being held from February 6 to 8 next year, will cover 14,000 sq m of exhibits.

'President Bush's recent visit to Bahrain has helped increase the level of participation in the expo,' said MBB Expo manager Baba Ji.

'The level of interest of US-based companies looking to participate in this event has gone from zero to 100.'

Mice acting chief executive officer and Beca destination marketing and public relations officer Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen said that Bahrain would provide increased proximity to the affluent customers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.

'The green expo is a goldmine of opportunities for American and other international exhibitors wishing to tap the rich markets of the Northern Gulf region,' she said.

'What differentiates it from other wellness exhibitions in the region is that it will encapsulate all aspects of health and wellness and address the key issues of environmental strategies.'

'A conference will run alongside the expo with key speakers from around the globe.'

MBB expo's yearly exhibits at the Los Angeles Convention Centre attract thousands of visitors, say organisers.

It serves as a gathering for entrepreneurs, retailers and manufacturers of yoga, massage, spa, organic living, vitamins, herbs and natural beauty products, and contribute more than $1.5 million (BD567,000) to the economy of Los Angeles, they added.-TradeArabia News Service