Bahrain has achieved the highest growth amongst the GCC countries in advertising expenditure for the first quarter of this year, reaching 43 per cent compared to last year, said an expert.

Figures have increased from $22 million to $32 million, said International Advertising Association (IAA) Bahrain Chapter president and World Council member Khamis Al Muqla.

'This is a reflection of the increase by both the government and private sector,' Al Muqla said at an IAA business luncheon at Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa.

'Formula One, eGovernment and the not to be missed campaigns in the tele-communications sector are but a few examples,' he said.

Bahrain is proud of His Majesty King Hamad being conferred the 2010 Arab Media Creativity Award for promoting Press freedoms in the kingdom, at the Arab Media Forum in Kuwait, Al Muqla said.

'Freedom of the media is vital for marketing communication professionals to operate successfully,' Al Muqla said.

'This impetus for greater freedom will provide us with a solid environment for our industry to grow and flourish,' the World Council member added.

The main topic of the event was the 42nd IAA World Congress in Moscow from May 12 to 14.

The association is keen to encourage participation in the Moscow conference because of the importance Bahrain gives to the development of its economic and trade relations with Russia, Al Muqla said.

This was embodied in the visit of His Majesty and the delegation of businessmen, led by Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro.

Bahraini delegation to the conference will include Akhbar Al Khaleej Editor-in-Chief Anwar Abdulrahman, director of sales and marketing Abdulmajeed Haji, Pico Bahrain chairman and Miracle Graphics owner Khaled Juman and Al Muqla.

'We are keen to encourage others to take part in the conference,' he added.

The luncheon included a keynote address by MTI Consulting chief executive officer Hilmy Cader.

He highlighted the challenges facing the advertising and marketing communications industry due to the global economic crisis.

In his talk 'After the financial crisis, shaping marketing communication strategies', Cader also elaborated on the theme of the Moscow conference 'Change: Consequences'.

Al Muqla also paid tribute to leading Bahraini advertising personality Yusuf Zubari, who died recently. The event was held under Dr Fakhro's patronage.-TradeArabia News Service