Twenty-three Bahraini companies have signed up with Tamkeen’s ‘Tarweej’ scheme to showcase their hi-tech products and services at Gitex Technology Week 2011, set to take place in Dubai.

The Tarweej scheme is one of the main schemes under Tamkeen’s Enterprise Development Support Programme, which will help the companies present their services at the region’s leading ICT expo, to be held between October 9 and 13, a statement from Tamkeen said.

The companies will be part of the Bahrain pavilion at the exhibition, which also features the Economic Development Board, the eGovernment Authority, and the Ministry of Interior, it said.

Ahmed Husain, managing director of Reload Consulting Services, said: “Gitex Technology Week is the premier event of its kind in the Middle East.  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 explore possible business partnerships with companies outside of Bahrain.”

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

As per the updates to the Enterprise Development Support Programme schemes which went into effect in June, Tamkeen contributed BD3,360 ($8,916) – or 80 per centy - of the BD4,200 ($11,145) exhibition fee to each company. Tamkeen will also cover the cost of airfare, accommodation, and cargo.

“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 Mohammed Bucheery, Tamkeen’s senior manager of Private Sector Support.

Since the second phase of the Enterprise Development Support programme commenced in November of 2009, 578 companies have benefited from the Tarweej scheme as of the end of August of this year, with Tamkeen contributing BD871,424 ($2,312,419) to the scheme over that period.  – TradeArabia News Service