The Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (Beca) has projected steady growth in the local and international exhibitions and conferences sector in the second half of this year.

This was revealed at a Beca board meeting chaired by Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro.

The board was briefed on the latest developments and performance of the authority during the first half of 2011 as well as its plans and programmes.

These include the exhibitions and conferences programme for second half of 2011 and improvement and development projects which are underway.

Prior to the meeting, a presentation was made to the board covering the latest update on the Expo City project to be constructed in Sakhir near the Bahrain International Circuit.

The Expo City Project aims to fulfil the long-term future growth requirements of the kingdom's meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry.

During the meeting, the authority presented a list of exhibitions and conferences held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC) during the first half of 2011.

These include the Autumn Fair where 770 local, regional and international exhibitors took part, occupying 16,000 square metres of area, which is the maximum space available at the BIEC.

The fair attracted more than 200,000 visitors, an average of 22,000 a day. An estimated 30,000 people came from Saudi Arabia and other GCC states.

Other events included the Beca-owned and organised Food and Hospitality Expo, Health and Wellness Expo, the Love and Loyalty Festival and Exhibition, the first International Meditation and Self-Empowerment Conference, the Gulf Industry Fair and various local business events.

In addition, summer activities of the Youth City 2030 were organised by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports and Bahrain Summer Festival by the Culture Ministry.

Beca's financial performance to date and expected results by the end of 2011 were also discussed.

The board was confident and optimistic about the restoration of the steady future growth in the exhibitions and conferences sector as well as achieving targeted returns in the second half of this year.

Dr Fakhro praised the continued support of the kingdom's leadership and government to the exhibition industry in strengthening its role and contribution to the national economy. – TradeArabia News Service