More than 100 exhibitors from 21 countries will participate in the fifth Gulf Industry Fair which opens February 7th 2012 under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain.

The 3 day Fair, organized by Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions and to be held at Hall 1 of the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre will feature some of the biggest names in the industrial sector of the Northern Gulf and beyond showcasing their products, services and capabilities to regional visitors.

This year, the Fair's status as a positive showcase of Bahrain's industrial capacity has been greatly enhanced by support from Tamkeen. Under the terms of its Tarweej support program 38 of the 107 exhibiting companies at the Fair are receiving a subsidy of 80% of their participating costs. Among those exhibitors benefiting are Balexco, Al Thawadi, Ameeri Industries and Electrical Mechanical Industries in the Fair's dedicated Aluminum Zone as well as several other companies in the Energy and Ports & Logistics Zones.

Mr Jubran Abdulrahman MD of HCE said that "The one shop approach Tamkeen has taken by appointing HCE as a packager of applications for Tarweej has proved a success. Through the strategic partnership, we have promoted Tarweej via HCE's marketing and business development expertise. This cost effective strategic partnership ensures Bahrain's small and medium sized enterprises benefit through Tamkeen's programs."

He said that this year for the first time, Gulf Industry Fair will feature a national pavilion from Holland while several companies will be making their debuts. More than 20 companies representing the downstream aluminum industry will participate reflecting that sector's importance to Bahrain's diversified economy.

Mr Abdulrahman said that "For this year's show we have developed and built upon the successful aspects of the 2011 Fair, resulting in vibrant Zones for the Aluminum, Energy and Ports and Logistics sectors. We look forward with eager anticipation to welcoming exhibitors and visitors to this year's Fair, which takes place in an environment of industrial investment and promotion across the GCC."