Bahrain is to step up its support for construction projects that promote green technologies, a senior minister said yesterday (April 6).

Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Essam Khalaf said the need of the hour was to invest in such sustainable technologies in the interest of protecting the environment and making sure it was safe for the coming generations, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Speaking after opening the fourth edition of the Arabian MEP (Mechanical Engineering Plumbing) Conference and Exhibition, he said the government is always looking at promoting and supporting such technologies in its own buildings as well as in the country's infrastructure set-up.

"This is the future and we have to look at this issue seriously. We are already doing a lot and will do more," he added.

The three-day event, which ends tomorrow, is supported by the ministry and is being held under the patronage of the minister at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

It is organised by Exposure Media.

Khalaf, who was accompanied by Industry and Commerce Minister Zayed Al Zayani, said promoting green and environmentally-friendly technology is part of the larger vision of the government and such shows fit perfectly with that vision.

Earlier, both ministers and other officials went around the show, spread over 8,000 sq m.

The event is expected to bring together around 6,500 engineers and decision-makers who will discuss the latest trends in the industry and application of green and environmentally friendly technologies.

It will focus on boosting the markets and promote quality and sustainability in the services offered.

"Business deals worth $500 million were concluded during the last two shows, which were attended by more than 10,000 visitors and we are expecting this show to do better," Exposure Media managing director Sijo Jospeh said.

"The event will showcase the latest heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC) technologies as well as look at advances in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, insulation, refrigeration and automation products and services in the region."

He said the demand for higher energy efficiency, greener products and sustainable technologies has accelerated the pace at which new products and innovations are launched in the market.

"This has led to HVAC professionals becoming more innovative in their businesses," he added.

He said key industry leaders are present at the event, where they are exhibiting their products and also holding live demonstrations, taking part in conferences and benefitting from networking opportunities.

Revolutionary 3D printing, the challenge of super-tall buildings and state-of-the-art fire-fighting systems are among the more than 200 brands and services on show.

The event is billed as promoting Bahrain and the region's use of green energy technologies as well as issues concerning environmental sustainability.

Khalid Al Mulhim from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers - Saudi Arabian Chapter - delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony.

The Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry will use the event to showcase its present and future projects as well as honour its engineers and a special section on the latest energy efficient electrical products will be one of the highlights of the show.

ELTA Fans, Awal Gulf Manufacturers, engineering giant ABB and BTA TRANE are the platinum sponsors of the event. - TradeArabia News Service