The event, being held under the theme “Agricultural Technology”, will showcase the best the sector has to offer in terms of new machinery and tools that can help it improve productivity, lower costs and enhance environmental sustainability.
BIGS, which is organized by the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), is Bahrain’s premiere garden and agriculture show. It will take place at the Bahrain International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26th February until 1st March, 2014 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the support of the King’s Wife Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who is President of NIAD.
“This year we will be focusing on new technologies that are available now or which are just around the corner. Agriculture is a dynamic and growing field that has seen many technological developments in recent years, and to highlight this to the public we will be showcasing many of the latest garden, landscaping and agricultural technologies that are literally transforming the industry,” Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, General Coordinator of BIGS, said.
“The event will be a great opportunity for businesses and individuals to network and attract new partners and clients. Whether you are an agriculture industry player or a hobbyist, there will be something there that will interest you,” she added.
Visitors to BIGS include VIP’s, architects, consultants, developers, and other industry professionals, as well as retail consumers. Over the years exhibitors have come from the US, France, Spain, Italy, the UK, Germany, Turkey, Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Iran, Thailand, Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen and Japan, in addition to all the GCC countries.
“The show has been growing steadily over the years, with the total area occupied reaching a record 6,609 square metres last year. This year we expect to top 7,000 square metres and attract more than 20,000 visitors. We are anticipating at least 90 exhibitors this year, plus around 30 international participants who will be part of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) stand,” Shaikha Maram, said.
“We are also happy to have Tamkeen onboard this year as a partner. We urge Bahraini companies to take advantage of the support they can offer them.”
The Growth Assistance Scheme, one of several schemes offered by Tamkeen under its Enterprise Development Support programme, is a co-financing scheme designed to aid companies’ participation in local and regional trade exhibitions such as BIGS.
Hall 1 of the show, dubbed the Marketplace, will target the general public with products such as flowers, nurseries, tools, pots, garden furniture, machinery, lighting and many others. Meanwhile, Hall 2, with its exhibitors including both public and private sector entities, will be home to the latest trends and innovations in the field of landscaping and design.