Gulf Industry Fair 2017 was officially opened today by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC).

Industrial heavyweights from the region are geared up to welcome visitors, leading a strong line-up of 90 local international exhibitors showcasing their products and services at the Fair.

Following the inauguration, HRH the Premier toured the exhibition and appreciated the quality of the expo.
 
Jubran Abdulrahman, managing director of show organisers Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (HCE), said: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to His Royal Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain, for providing his endless support to Gulf Industry Fair and its aims.”

Companies at the exhibition represent the Aluminium, Energy & Environment, Industrial Metals, Industrial Processes & Manufacturing, Ports & Maritime, Industrial Facilities & Logistics, Training for industry and Fire & Safety Sectors.

“We are proud of the quality of this year’s line-up. GIF 2017 events highlights Bahrain’s development and all aspects of infrastructure in the industrial sector. From “Made in Bahrain” manufacturers who promote the country’s capabilities to international investors are a major contributors to the region’s economic development,” added Abdulrahman.

As the Northern Gulf’s undisputed trade and logistics hub – and a strategically located manufacturing base for companies looking to access major regional markets like Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province – Bahrain has for the past 10 years proven to be the ideal venue for the fair, attracting company owners, procurement officers, traders and businessmen from the kingdom and further afield.

“Gulf Industry Fair is dedicated to promoting the economic opportunities arising from the march to diversify the economies of the GCC, and the 2017 event showcases the wide variety of products manufactured in the GCC,” said Abdulrahman.

The Gulf Industry Fair 2017 builds on the legacy left by previous editions of the show, Abdulrahman said.

“Despite a regional slowdown caused by low oil prices, ongoing investment in the GCC’s industrial infrastructure remains strong. Notably, Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision blueprint is likely to be a key driver of the Gulf’s industrial ambitions in the coming years as the region’s biggest economy accelerates diversification efforts,” he said.

“Gulf Industry Fair is dedicated to promoting the economic opportunities arising from the march to diversify the economies of the GCC, and the 2017 event showcases the wide variety of products manufactured in the GCC.”

The Fair will host two forums: "The India Business Partnership Summit" on February 7 and the "GIF Dialogue: Future of Industry in the GCC" on February 8. There will also be seminars on Solar Energy and Gulf Projects on February 9.

As in previous years, GIF 2017 is supported by some of Bahrain’s industrial icons. Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) is the show’s Aluminium sponsor. Currently in the midst of an expansion, Alba plays a crucial role in creating a vibrant community of downstream aluminium industries – including the likes of fellow exhibitors Balexco, Midal Cables and Ameeri Industries.

National oil company Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) with the National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga), will front the Energy & Environment segment of the show, where it will outline to visitors its current and future investment programmes.

Majaal, a developer and operator of industrial facilities primarily for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), will again be the principal sponsor of the Logistics & Industrial Facilities sector, where it will not only showcase the successes of its business model but also demonstrate Bahrain’s credentials as an investment destination.

Naffco, a leading supplier and producer for fire protection products, is a first-time sponsor of the Fire & Safety segment.

Supporting organisations include AHK Saudi Arabia, India’s PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the German Saudi Arabian Liaison for Economic Affairs, the Saudi British Economic Offset Programme and the Bahrain Industrial Association (BIA).

“We are grateful for the unwavering support of the Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, in helping us establish Gulf Industry Fair as the ‘go to’ exhibition for companies operating in the Northern Gulf’s expanding industrial markets. We look forward to providing the ultimate networking, knowledge sharing and deal making platform for all companies involved in the industrial sectors,” Abdulrahman added.

GIF 2017, which runs from February 7 to 9, is open from 9 am to 7 pm daily.  For more the latest information visit www.gulfindustryfair.com - TradeArabia News Service