Traders and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been rushing to register in the fairs organised by Bahrain’s labour fund Tamkeen to benefit from the opportunity, said a senior official.

"The tremendous response shows that holding these fairs in all of Bahrain's five governorates was a good decision that would help businesses bounce back," said customer engagement and support senior manager Yousif Ali.

Ali was speaking during a Press conference at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) to announce the fairs.

The first fair for the Capital Governorate will be held at Bab Al Bahrain from tomorrow (July 7) to July 12.

This will be followed by similar fairs in Muharraq at the Muharraq Club from July 13 to 18, the Northern Governorate at Al Shabab Club from July 16 to 21, Central Governorate at Isa Town Club from July 22 to 27 and Southern Governorate at the Riffa Club from July 25 to 30.

Ali said up to 200 business owners and participants would be selected for each governorate's fair.

"Each fair will bring together business owners from the governorate to a central venue to sell their products," he said.

Ali added that the fairs would be hosted by Tamkeen in partnership with the five governorates and in co-ordination with the BCCI and the Industry and Commerce Ministry.

BCCI retail and traditional markets committee head Jawad Al Hawaj said the encouraging response meant business was back on track after the difficulties traders faced during the unrest in February and March.

"This is a great opportunity for Bahrain and a chance to get back on track," he said. "We have suffered a great deal, but we are happy the situation is getting better and market confidence is returning."

He said overall, the retail trade has recovered by about 70 per cent so far after the situation eased.

Al Hawaj said traders in Bahrain, especially in the Bab Al Bahrain area, had lost between 80 per cent to 90 per cent of their businesses during February and March.

This was when malls and stores were virtually deserted as anti-government protesters set up roadblocks, illegal checkpoints and forced shops to close.

Businesses were shut for days during the height of the crisis.

BCCI chief executive Ibrahim Al Lengawi earlier said Tamkeen would cover all costs so that traders just have to take part and benefit from the event. He said the fairs were designed to stimulate demand and strengthen bonds between communities and people.

Some of the items that will be available at discounted rates include electronics, toys, household goods, furniture, spare parts and accessories, textiles, footwear, products needed for construction and finishing among others. – TradeArabia News Service