Private sector interest in MICE industry gains momentum

Date: 10 July 2008

Contact : Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, Acting CEO

Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA)

T.: 17558813; @ : debbie@bahrainexhibitions.com

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Private sector interest in MICE industry gains momentum

 Manama, 10 July 2008 - Private sector interest in Bahrain's business tourism sector has gained momentum with the signing of an agreement between Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI).

The agreement formalises the partnership between BCCI and BECA and confirms the Chamber's commitment to support the growth, competitiveness and well-being of Bahrain's business tourism industry by promoting the activities of BECA among its members and the various Chambers of Commerce in the GCC and the rest of the Arab world. BECA's commitment to the agreement entails providing various marketing/promotional opportunities for BCCI as well as new business opportunities for its members through BECA’s International exhibitors/visitors wishing to appoint local agents/distributors or team up with local partners to sell/promote their products and services locally and to the region.

Ms. Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, Acting CEO - BECA, represented the Authority at the signing ceremony whilst Mr. Othman Mohamed Sharif Alrayes, BCCI Treasurer and Acting CEO, signed on behalf of the Chamber.

Mr. Mahesh Bhatia, BECA Project Manager, Ms. Duha Hussain Ahmed Ali, BCCI Festival & Exhibitions Supervisor, and Mr. Jaffar Salman Aloraibi, BCCI Acting Manager - Department of Cooperation & Bilateral Relations, were also present at the ceremony which was held on 8th July 2008 at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre.

"This is an exciting time for Bahrain business tourism and we are encouraged by BCCI’s commitment to the industry. Together, we are going to make it happen," said Ms. Stanford-Kristiansen. "Partnerships are vital to the success of the MICE industry," she added. "We strongly believe that the drive for business tourism projects must come from stakeholders such as private sector companies. They know first hand what the local needs and priorities are."

Mr. Alrayes expressed his appreciation to BECA and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, particularly to His Excellency Dr. Hassan A. Fakhro, the Minister and Chairman of the Board of BECA, for his support for the private sector. "We are very appreciative of the Ministry's contribution to economic development in Bahrain through this important industry," said Mr. Alrayes. "A good working partnership between BCCI and BECA will ensure that Bahrain continues its economic growth." ENDS

 Caption : Picture shows Ms. Stanford-Kristiansen with Mr. Alrayes (seated) with other representatives from BCCI and BECA.

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About Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) :

Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) is the country’s flagship organisation dedicated to delivering quality

business-to-business events aimed at promoting Bahrain as a preferred business tourism destination. It functions

under the directive of its Board of Directors with H.E. Dr. Hassan A. Fakhro, the Minister of Industry & Commerce, as

Chairman of the Board.

BECA maintains a strategic partnership with key industry stakeholders such as Tourism Affairs, the Bahrain

International Circuit, the Bahrain Economic Development Board, Gulf Air and the hospitality sector and administers

the operations of the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC), the largest, pillar-free trade

show and exhibition centre in the country.