“We have created a website www.contract.mod.uk and Bahraini companies can simply register by providing their capabilities to the Ministry of Defence and that’s it,” Adam Thomas, Senior Press Officer at Defence & Security Organisation told The24X7News.
Adam is accompanying the UK Defence Secretary who will be showcasing the UK products and services at the Bahrain International Airshow 2014, which opens on Thursday.
“We encourage all potential suppliers and companies to come forward and avail the opportunity. The UK wants to create real partnerships with Bahraini companies as out of total procurements of $15billion almost 40% equal to $6billion is supplied by the different contractors overseas,” Adam explained.
Talking about the scope of business and learning from each other’s experiences, Adam said Bahrain being a regional banking centre can be front line country to benefit from the UK’s expertise in Cyber Protection.
“Cyber Security is a huge challenge for every country and the UK capabilities in this field can be of immense benefits for both Bahraini public and private sectors and during the BIAS the UK Defence Secretary will be highlighting the UK potentials in this regard,” he added.
Adam said that the prospective suppliers from Bahrain can sign up deals from $1 to $1billion without a much hassle. “This is a right time to enhance the existing bilateral business base between the Kingdom and Bahrain and the UK.”
He said the UK was also keen to transfer its satellite capabilities which can help to locate people on the ground and safeguard borders.
“The recent typhoon which had hit hard the Philippines this technology can be of great help and the UK companies enjoy sophistication in this area. We want to share this technology with our traditional partners in the Gulf including the Kingdom of Bahrain,” he added.
“A UK based Ultra Electronics has secured a major contract for Muscat International Airport and the expertise of this company can be beneficial for all airports in the region. Ultra Electronics was also one of the companies involved the building of the Terminal 5 of the UK, showing the strength and quality of services being offered by the British Companies,” he said.
Bahrain International Airshow, Adam said, has emerged as one of the key platforms where regional players can come together and bolster business deals without any difficulty.
“We are here in Bahrain to explore business opportunities in whole spectrum of partnerships including the JVs in all vital sectors,” Adam said.