Bahrain is at the forefront of developing green technologies for use in the country, said the country's work minister at the launch of a construction industry event.

Works Minister Essam Khalaf said the construction, engineering and contracting sectors are being encouraged to use such technology to preserve the environment and ensure the future for coming generations, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The minister was speaking as he opened the third edition of the Arabian Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Conference and Exhibition at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The three-day event, until tomorrow, is being held under the patronage of the minister.

During the show, the latest technologies in green buildings and their implementation in the construction industry in the Mena region will be discussed.

More than 100 exhibitors from Bahrain, the region and around the world are taking part in the event, which has brought together professionals and experts from the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry.

Among the highlights of the event are lunch sessions focussing on artificial rain today and the Expo 2020 in Dubai tomorrow.

Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) senior scientist Dr J Kulkarni will today explore the possibilities of artificial rain research and discuss how it could be implemented in Bahrain.

A spokesman of the organisers, Exposure Media, said IITM has already implemented the technology in several parts of India with scarce or no rainfall.

He said builders and developers were investing a lot in achieving higher levels of energy efficiency in their buildings and Bahrain is taking a lead in the field.

"One of the challenges today is for businesses to showcase themselves to their target national and international clients," he said.

"During the show, participants will join key decision-makers and industry leaders in shaping their industry and crafting solutions," he added.-TradeArabia News Service