Bapco has confirmed its strategic sponsorship for the upcoming Gulf Industry Fair (GIF), the premier business-to-business (B2B) industrial exhibition in the northern Gulf, to be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

This follows the signing of a strategic energy partnership agreement with Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (HCE), the organisers of the show, which runs from January 15 to 17.

GIF 2013 is the fifth consecutive year that Bapco, as part of the National Oil and Gas Authority group of companies, is providing top level support to the maajor industry event.

Bapco will use the fair to raise awareness of its latest strategic projects and investments in both upstream and downstream sectors and related commercial opportunities for exhibitors and visitors.

"We are grateful for Bapco's continued high-level support for Gulf Industry Fair, which demonstrates its ongoing commitment to the kingdom's sustainable development, in line with long-term national objectives and its role as an economic pillar," said Ronnie Middleton, managing director of Al Hilal Group, the parent company of HCE.

"Bapco is a key driver of the energy sector in Bahrain and Gulf Industry Fair is a leading commercial showcase for energy companies," said Bapco chief executive Gordon Smith. "It is a good strategic fit," he added.

GIF 2013 is being held at a pivotal time for the energy industry, which is adjusting to changing market dynamics with new investments and innovations.

GCC governments continue to prioritise massive industrial investment programmes, while oil prices have reverted to more sustainable levels.

The future of energy industry in the region is particularly bright for the manufacturing and services sectors, which are expected to witness outstanding growth opportunities in the next few years.

In addition to energy, GIF 2013 will be a showcase for world-scale manufacturing plants, specialist equipment suppliers, distributors and agencies representing the key segments of aluminium, environmental protection, steel and alloys, industrial processes and manufacturing, ports, logistics and free zones, training for industry and industrial security and safety.

As well as Bapco, high-level strategic support for GIF 2013 this year is provided by Alba, one of the world's largest aluminium smelters; Majaal, a leading industrial facilities project and British Offset, a joint initiative which manages the Saudi British Economic Offset Programme.-TradeArabia News Service