Bahrain Autumn Fair set for record
Manama, January 11, 2013
A record number of businesses will take part in the country's biggest consumer products exhibition to be held later this month, a report said.
Twenty countries are taking part in this year's Autumn Fair, which will officially open on January 23 and will be held under the patronage of Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro, said a report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister newspaper.
The popular show will feature more than 700 exhibitors, including Bahraini companies, and will showcase jewellery and accessories, Arabic clothing, beauty products, handicrafts and food, perfumes, furniture, technology, textiles, pottery and toys.
The event, which is in its 24th year, will host the biggest number of Bahrainis because of support from Tamkeen.
"It's true that in the past some Bahraini traders didn't support international fairs, but because of Tamkeen's backing and the increase in Bahraini companies taking part, this is no longer a big issue," said Arabian Exhibition Management project manager Mohammed Ebrahim.
"Fifty-nine companies are being backed by Tamkeen. Approximately 35 per cent of floor space of the fair is being taken up by Bahrainis."
He was speaking at a Press conference yesterday at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC) to announce details of the expo.
Organisers said the nine-day event will give customers and retailers the opportunity to find different products at competitive prices.
Among the countries taking part are Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, the UAE and Yemen.
More than 130,000 people attended last year's show and organisers are expecting a similar turnout.
"We hope to surpass this figure this year," said Ebrahim.
Organisers said local traders who have not participated in the fair will benefit, as they will be able to establish partnerships and wholesale agreements.
They also stressed the importance of people's safety during the event, saying personnel will be trained in first aid and ambulances will be kept on hand for emergencies.
The fair will be held at the BIEC and will run until January 31. - TradeArabia News Service
