“The development and progress march in the kingdom is going forward as planned in order to achieve the set goals and nothing can hinder it as long as there is a will to ensure the kingdom’s prosperity and advancement,” His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa added.
“The continuous successes of the national economy testify to the solidity of the kingdom’s development process whose bases have been laid down by loyal and dedicated Bahrainis who joined ranks, worked hard and confronted all the challenges and attempts to halt the national efforts to enhance the building and progress of the homeland,” he added.
Speaking as he opened today, at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIECC), the 6th edition of the Gulf Industry Fair (GIF2013), organised by the Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions, with the participation of over 110 exhibitors from 20 countries, HRH Prime Minister affirmed that the government’s success in attracting numerous specialised regional and international exhibitions is a proof that its policies to serve the interests of the nation and the citizens are on the right track.
HRH Premier toured the fair and was informed on the products and services exhibited in various sectors, including aluminum, protection of energy and environment, industrial processes, manufacturing, industrial security and safety, ports, logistics, free zones, steel, alloys and training.
The Premier asserted that the exhibition industry has flourished in the kingdom thanks to the government’s efforts to create a positive atmosphere and encouraged the private sector to be engage in economic activities more effectively.
He highlighted the importance of the industrial sector as one of the main tributaries and pillars of the government’s strategy to diversify revenues, adding that it contributes to the country’s GDP and provides new job opportunities for national manpower.
“Industrial development is essential for nations’ development, which requires us to upgrade the level of industrial production through focusing on quality and keeping abreast of the latest technological inventions and innovations so as to be able to compete inside and outside the country,” he also said.
HRH the Premier underlined the major role played by small and medium enterprises in developing manufacturing industries, spurring the economy and generating jobs for Bahrainis, instructing the Industry and Commerce Ministry to provide all kinds of support for them.
The Premier expressed pride in the distinguished Bahraini industries showcased in the Fair, noting that “the Kingdom is capable of becoming a productive country thanks to these industrial investments.”
HRH Premier pointed out that the government is keen to support investments in the industrial sector through creating a positive environment that enhances investors’ confidence and encourages them to take advantage of its advanced and open economy.
HRH Prime Minister called for the need to pay more attention to training and rehabilitation in the industrial sector in order to prepare highly-qualified national cadres in this regard.
He underscored the government’s plans to boost national industries and upgrade their quality and competitive potential through establishing more industrial zones, a world-class Expo City and an Export Development Centre.
The Premier invited investors to take advantage of Bahrain’s distinguished position as a regional hub of exhibitions and conferences, hailing the event’s sponsors and exhibitors.
On his part, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr. Hassan Abdulla Fakhro lauded HRH Premier’s patronage of the Fair, adding that the industrial sector is currently booming thanks to the wise leadership’s determination to continue focusing on added value sectors, as outlined in the Bahrain Economic Vision, 2030.
He also praised the advanced level of GCC products exhibited in the Fair, asserting that their high quality entitles them to compete at the international level.
He also paid tribute to national industrial establishment for their efforts to earn the kingdom leading roles in many fields.
Hilal Conferences and Exhibition’s Board Chairman of Anwar Abdul Rahman and CEO Jebran Abdulrahman, meanwhile, extended sincere thanks and gratitude to HRH the Prime Minister for patronizing the opening of the fair, confirming that his continuous patronage of the annual GCC industrial event has ensured its success and motivated many sides to take part in it.
GIF 2013, set to run until January 17th, is held on 3000 square metres, and it is expected to attract more than 3000 visitors.
Gulf Industry Fair covers the key industrial segments including aluminum, machine tools, industrial equipment, automation, steel, energy, logistics and manufacturing. The Fair also provides a unique opportunity for the operators of industrial areas, ports and free zones to meet an interested market of decision makers in the manufacturing and distribution sectors.
A forum, themed “Industry Week”, will be held on the sidelines of GIF 2013 in order to promote the kingdom’s industrial competencies and encourage youth graduate to join industrial establishments.