Tamkeen has sponsored 52 companies participating in the ongoing Food & Hospitality Expo and Health & Wellness Expo 2013 at the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre as part of its Tarweej scheme.

The scheme is one of Tamkeen’s many business support schemes under its flagship enterprise development support programme.

Held under the patronage of HRH the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the two events, which attracted a large number of local and international companies and experts, are a valuable opportunity for SMEs in Bahrain in the fields of food, hospitality, and health to showcase their products and services, network and build business relationships, expand customer base, and find out the latest developments.

An increasing number of companies have benefited from the Tarweej scheme to take part in these two events, jumping from 40 companies last year to 52 in 2013. Tamkeen’s contribution amount more than doubled from 2012 to this year, going from around BD31,000 ($81,753.2) in 2012 to more than BD65,000.

Mohammed Bucheery, senior manager for private sector support, Tamkeen, said: “Demand for Tamkeen’s programmes which target private sector companies is increasing each year as business owners continue to reap their benefits. These programmes provide subsidised high-level business support services in critical areas to achieve sustainable growth and development.”

The enterprise development support programme is in line with Tamkeen’s objective to boost capabilities of the private sector and enhance the productivity and growth of businesses in Bahrain, a statement from Tamkeen said.

The Tarweej scheme enables companies to maximise their exposure through local, regional, and international exhibitions. All eligible enterprises in Bahrain may benefit from the scheme, but need to apply one month in advance of the desired event.

Tamkeen has allocated over BD119 million to the enterprise programme to date, and more than 4,800 enterprises in Bahrain have benefited from it, the statement said.

In addition to Tarweej, it also includes Istishara to assist in strategic planning and determining vision and goals of the company, Techania to provide support for the purchase of latest enterprise-related tools and equipment, Jawda to assist in the design and application of world-class quality standards, Tasweeq to support the creation and implementation of effective marketing and communications strategies, and the large enterprises support scheme which allows large enterprises to acquire industrial machinery and technology. – TradeArabia News Service