Bahrain's exhibition industry has made a qualitative leap forward, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro said.

The industry is poised to achieve good results this year despite the global meltdown, Dr Fakhro said as he chaired the regular meeting of the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (Beca).

He said Beca has achieved the highest rates of occupancy over past years.

'This year promises similar or even better results thanks to Bahrain's economic stability and transparent laws,' Dr Fakhro said.

Beca deputy chief executive Debbie Stanford gave a presentation outlining general performance.

She also detailed different events hosted recently, ensuring Bahrain's international recognition.

In this respect, she stressed the government's successful policies to promote exhibition and conventions.

The industry, she said, is representing a key sector as it contributes substantially to the gross domestic product.

She also gave an update on bookings and occupancy rates to date - for this year and years to come.

Beca has succeeded in attracting leading international shows for the first time in Bahrain and is expected to host a meeting of the international ophthalmology association.

More than 3,000 participants from the US, EU, the Mena region and Asia are expected to flock to Bahrain to attend the event, already hailed as the largest international medical meeting and exhibition.

Bahrain will also host the Health Care Management System in June, with participants estimated to exceed 2,000.

The 2010-2011 also features a long list of meetings and events to be showcase by Australian Integrated Business Machine.

The month-long event is an added value as it is expected to attract more than 8,000 participants.-TradeArabia News Service