An international conference showcasing everything Bahrain has to offer will open Berlin this week, a report said.

'This Is Bahrain', organised by the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA), will be held at the Maritim Hotel in the German capital on Wednesday, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

It aims to build upon the success of a similar event held in London in May this year.

More than 150 delegates are set to attend the Berlin conference including religious leaders, community figures and - for the first time - parliamentary candidates.

"We are planning to showcase Bahrain's success to the world, whether that is its religious tolerance, cultural diversity, ongoing reforms or democratic elections," said BFEA secretary general Betsy Mathieson at a briefing held at the Alumni Club in Adliya yesterday.

"It all started in London, now it's in Berlin and there are plans for the event to be held in other European cities, as well as at least three US states."

A whole cross-section of Bahrain's society will be present at the forum, Ms Mathieson said - from Shura Council members and religious leaders to representatives of government organisations and young Bahraini inventors such as Amina Al Hawaj.

"This event has proven to be a success as it has opened doors. And for this edition, we enjoy the full support of the German-Arab Friendship Association."

A debt of gratitude was also owed to the Bahraini-German Friendship Society for its support in organising the event, she added. – TradeArabia News Service