A total of 23 Bahraini companies have signed up with Tamkeen's Tarweej scheme to showcase their hi-tech products and services at the upcoming 'Gitex Technology Week 2011,' expo in Dubai.

Gitex, the region's leading information and communication technology (ICT) expo will be held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 9 to 13.

These companies will be part of the Bahrain Pavilion at the exhibition, which also features the Economic Development Board, the eGovernment Authority, and the Interior Ministry.

Tarweej is one of the main schemes under its flagship Enterprise Development Support programme.

Since the second phase of the Enterprise Development Support programme commenced in November 2009, 578 companies have benefited from the Tarweej scheme as at the end of August, with Tamkeen contributing BD871,424 ($2.3 million) over that period.

'Gitex Technology Week is the premier event of its kind in the Middle East,' said Bahrain-based Reload Consulting Services managing director Ahmed Husain.

'As such, it will be a great opportunity for me to network and exchange expertise with decision makers from around the region, as well as exploring possible business partnerships with companies outside of Bahrain.

'Although I have been coming to Gitex for several years, this is the first time for me as an exhibitor, and I am immensely proud to have my company represented as part of the Bahrain Pavilion,' he added.

'Bahrain boasts a mature well-developed ICT sector, but I believe there is still a lot of room and potential to grow. The benefits we reap from Tamkeen's various schemes is a positive step towards achieving this goal,' he added.

Tarweej, Tamkeen's growth assistance scheme, provides financial support for businesses in Bahrain to cover the cost of participation in leading local, regional and international exhibitions.

'Having a robust ICT sector is central to achieving the knowledge-based economy outlined in our national economic strategy, so we are pleased to see the strong demand from Bahrain-based businesses working in the sector for our schemes,' said Tamkeen senior manager of private sector support Mohammed Bucheery.

'We believe having these companies as part of the Bahrain Pavilion at this prestigious event will benefit everyone involved as it will drive more traffic to the area while demonstrating the strength of Bahrain's ICT sector as a whole,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service