More than 2,000 local and international exhibitors have flocked to Bahrain in the last eight months, a 100 per cent increase from last year.

Major events in Bahrain are set to attract approximately 300,000 visitors, according to a review by the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority's (BECA) executive management.

The number of exhibitions and conferences that were held in the last eight months stood at 61, which is a 177pc increase from the 21 events which took place during the same period last year.

Bahrain occupied a strategic place in the international exhibitions and conventions market, said Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro who chaired the BECA board meeting.

The government has played a crucial role in strengthening the sector and its contributions to the economy, he added.

Total number of operating days of the events held increased to 407 from 317 at the end of August.

The gross booked space also saw an increase from 1.3 million square metres to 1.6m sqm.

International exhibitors are projected to increase with 75 countries expected to participate this year.

Around 54 countries took part in last year's events.

Latest developments in the financial and operational performance as well as plans and performance for the current financial year were discussed at the meeting.

The first phase of the Expo City project, which is being constructed in Sakhir, is undergoing review through discussions with the private sector, banks and financial institutions, in order to invite equity for the development.-TradeArabia News Service