The Bahrain Business and Professional Women's International Federation (BPW) announced it is gearing up to host the 63rd annual conference of Femmes Chefs d'Entreprises Mondiales (FCEM) - an association uniting women business owners from the world over.

It includes five million members from more than 120 countries across five continents, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Being held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and Supreme Council for Women president, the event is lined up for March 23 to 26 at the Gulf Hotel.

Joining BPW in the organisation of the conference themed "Our Bridges to the World", is the Council of Arab Business Women, with support also being extended by the Economic Development Board and Tamkeen as strategic partners.

Organisers have said the conference is expected to attract more than 500 participants.

They were speaking during a Press conference at the BPW headquarters in Jasra, addressed by FCEM honorary president Laila Al Khayat, BPW secretary Khaireya Dashti, international relations and events committee president Zahraa Taher and board members Amina Janahi, Nabeela Al Khair and Nadia Al Mulla.

"Bahrain is the first country in the Gulf and the second Arab country after Morocco to be hosting this prestigious conference," Dashti said.

She added that Bahrain beat competition from Monaco and Milan to win the right to host the event.

The conference aims to enhance bilateral trade between Arab business women and their international counterparts and highlights the growing and important role Arab women are playing in the global economy.

The event will also seek to showcase significant economic opportunities and growth sectors in Bahrain and the GCC overall.

This includes local industries such as gold, pearls, oil and gas, finance, telecommunications and information technology.

Also in focus will be the local culture and heritage, human capital and strategies in place for further business and social development in Bahrain and the region overall.

The conference will hold a session titled "Our Economy on the Global Map," which will have as speakers including Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed, UAE Minister of Development and International Co-operation Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi and Kuwait-based Global Investment House chairman Maha Al Ghunaim.

Moderating the session will be Kuwait University professor of economics and politics Dr Massouma Al Mubarak, who is also a former member of the Kuwaiti National Assembly.

Taher said such gatherings help to generate ideas for new business projects despite current challenging economic conditions.

"This will help to open up new markets for Bahraini and Gulf businesses and help the kingdom in highlighting its strategic location in the Gulf region and the Middle East including its position as a hub for human capital, positive legislation and a tax-free environment, making a competitive destination for investment."

The Bahrain Business & Professional Women Club was established in December 2012, and it consists of 12 businesswomen.

The club is the first of its kind in the Gulf.

In 2013, the club headed by Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa, legally joined the Business and Professional Women International Federation, to allow Bahraini women to engage in global activities. - TradeArabia News Service