Thousands of people flocked to the opening of one of Bahrain's largest consumer exhibitions yesterday (January 21).

The 25th annual Autumn Fair is being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sanabis, under the patronage of Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

It will run until January 29, and features 750 exhibitors from 21 countries, including more than 120 Bahraini companies, most of them supported by Tamkeen.

Opening the expo, Dr Fakhro confirmed the importance of trade fairs to the commercial sector in promoting price competition.

"They motivate businesses to provide better and varied consumer goods of high quality and at competitive prices," he said.

He pledged the ministry's support for the fair, as one of the most important enjoyed by citizens and visitors.

"The ministry is looking forward to greater involvement by international traders and also allowing Bahraini traders to take part," Dr Fakhro said.

Thai Ambassador Vichai Varasirikul was present at the opening to support his country's 14 exhibitors.

"This is the first time we've had this many Thai exhibitors," he told the GDN.

Tumnan Wellness owner Naphat Rodart, one of the Thai exhibitors, sells spa and relaxation items.

"We met the Thai Ambassador in Dubai and he encouraged us to come to Bahrain," she said.

"We found that the Autumn Fair would be a good opportunity to visit Bahrain and learn about it.

"We hope to do more business here in the future. We're currently looking for a distributor for our products in Bahrain."

Among the products showcased at the fair were authentic Iranian carpets sold by Tamkeen-supported Bahraini company Eftekhari Carpet.

The stall has one of the most expensive pieces at the fair - a BD15,000 Persian rug.

Other exhibitors include a Yemeni honey seller and an Egyptian entrepreneur who sells handmade chandeliers and wooden furniture, along with stalls selling speciality food, fashion, technology, toys and textiles.

The fair also includes an outdoor play area for children, with a live band and costume characters. - TradeArabia News Service