Events like the inaugural iTECH Gulf 2014 Forum and Exhibition can be a catalyst for developing exciting opportunities and advancements, through the exchange of ideas and development of international partnerships, said a senior government official.

Minister of State for Telecommunications Affairs Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa was speaking during the opening of the event, at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf Convention Centre, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Shaikh Fawaz said the importance of technology, specifically those that enable a communication and the organisation and use of information, was critical in the rapidly developing world today.

"Building global partnerships is one of our primary goals at the ministry and our experience in Bahrain's telecommunications industry reflects the need to respond to ever-increasing demands," he said.

"It is clear that without the establishment of new companies or the further development of existing ones, Bahrain would be passing up an important economic opportunity," he added.

Noting that Batelco, Bahrain's first telecommunications company, started in 1981, was now one of four leading telecom operators, along with a number of companies that bolstered the industry, the minister said the sector had over the years become a significant contributor to Bahrain's national wealth and now represented four per cent of the country's gross domestic product.

Shaikh Fawaz said as an industry, information and communications technology (ICT) remained economically vibrant and viable for investment and global partnerships.

"I hope iTECH Gulf proves an opportunity to network and foster exchanges at all levels, from multi-national corporations and industry leaders to ICT start-ups.

"Together we can tap into what the best minds in the ICT industry have to offer and create a better future through technology," he added.

Held under the minister's patronage, the two-day platform features debate and discussion on the latest regional trends, a line-up of prominent expert speakers, industry awards and a comprehensive exhibition.

The event is organised by Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions, a division of the Al Hilal Group.

"Our vision for iTECH Gulf is based on our belief in the value proposition of Bahrain as a world-class conference venue and its potential to become the "Davos" of the IT and ICT world - a place where knowledge and expertise is exchanged between professionals to encourage innovation," Al Hilal Group chairman Anwar Abdulrahman said.

Participants and visitors on day one of the event said they found the event to be a vibrant showcase of technology and innovation for professionals and consumers alike.

For the first time in Bahrain, a Near Field Communication (NFC) Wall is being demonstrated by web development and interactive agency 4SPOTS.

Facilitating information exchange in a very mobile world using simple tags, the wall enables visitors and delegates to download detailed information on show exhibitors, contacts or speakers directly onto their smartphones, simply by swiping over sections on the NFC Wall.

Globally-renowned technology giants such as 3M, Huawei Business Applications and Canon are offering product demonstrations at their stands, while many exhibitors are responding to the diverse business-to-business and business-to-consumer audience with special offers on hardware and software products. – TradeArabia News Service