A top diplomat hopes introducing direct flights between Moscow and Manama would mean Russian entrepreneurs can take part in Bahrain's Autumn Fair.

Russian Ambassador Victor Smirnov aims to increase bilateral relations between the two countries to pave way for trade in Bahrain, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

He was speaking to the GDN on the sidelines of the 25th Autumn Fair, which opened yesterday.

"We need to invite Russian producers here," he said.

"This fair is something special, that's why I'm here even though there aren't any Russian exhibitors.

"It's a great event to visit for entertainment, not just the market," Mr Smirnov said.

Contacts

"We need to form connections.

"It's very important, personal contacts are the main factor in such events.

"When we don't have a direct flight between Moscow and Bahrain, how can you bring all the beautiful things that we have in Russia?"

Smirnov said he was working towards bringing traders to Bahrain, but needed support and co-operation.

"I need the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Industry and Commerce Ministry to interact with their Russian counterparts," he said.

"That's my main target.We have a lot of special food that Bahrainis don't know about that could be interesting.

"A lot of special clothes as well, great factories that produce beautiful materials, as well as all kinds of art products, toys and games, which are absolutely new and Bahrainis aren't familiar with." - TradeArabia News Service