Bahrain to host Mideast's largest Chinese trade expo

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has teamed up with Hilal Conference and Exhibitions (HCE) to host the region's largest Chinese trade expo in the kingdom next year.

More than 60 companies from China will showcase their latest offerings at the China Heavy Machinery and Industry Exhibition to be held from September 24 to 26 in Bahrain.

It is being organised on behalf of Silk Road Steps Committee in China by Beijing Sea Level Science and Technology Company, over a 8,000 sq m area, said the event organisers.

Jubran Abdulrahman, managing director of Hilal Conference and Exhibitions (HCE) signed the co-operation agreement with Zhang Ming, secretary general, Silk Road Steps to Eco-Culture Committee.

“Much of the credit for this major event is as a result of the hard work of team Bahrain and all the parties involved deserve the credit for this coup,” said Abdulrahman while speaking at the signing ceremony.

“The Bahrain Ambassador in China, Dr Anwar Yusuf Abdulla Al Abdulla, cannot be praised enough for his determined approach in putting the kingdom at the forefront of the Silk Road Steps Committee for their GCC promotion strategy,” he stated.

“The invaluable work of the EDB China office has attracted 600 companies from China to the kingdom ensuring that the business case of Bahrain is firmly in the minds of China’s business community; and the BTEA promotion of Bahrain as a MICE centre at global events helps to re-endorse brand Bahrain for the MICE sector,” he added.

“This combined effort in addition to our humble contribution has contributed to a major win for Bahrain in line with Vision 2030,” said Abdulrahman.

Ming said China was re-energising its historical trade corridor with the Middle East. "The Silk Road is very much in keeping with President XI Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiatives," he stated.

“Bahrain is our chosen location to celebrate major historical anniversaries for China. The events will carry a very serious commercial message as our platform to promote the quality and



expertise of China in the heavy machinery and industrial supplies and services,” he added.

The exhibition take place against a backdrop of China’s positive influence and investment in the Middle East to deliver on the Belt and Road Initiative. China has designated investment of $4.5 trillion for the Middle East.

The China Council for Promotion of International Trade Figures estimated that in the first half of 2018 Chinese businesses have signed 1,922 new deals for projects in 61 countries at a total estimated value of $47.8 billion.

Yong Fu, chairman, Beijing Sea Level Science and Technology Co, said: “We were very impressed that our experience in Bahrain lived up to the expectations and promise recommended by the Ambassador of Bahrain.”

“In our discussions with HCE we found a professional and quality company, and in Bahrain we found an auspicious location and atmosphere for direct business as well as potential business through Bahrain as a gateway for the region,” he added.

Fawzi Tulefat, BTEA’s director of exhibitions and conferences marketing and promotion, said:  “This is a major achievement for Bahrain to be selected as the venue of the largest Chinese exhibition in the region.”

“The efforts of the BTEA team in global events such as Barcelona promoting the MICE sector can only be realised by companies coming to see for themselves what Bahrain has to offer. We are proud that Bahrain can offer excellent facilities and excellent facilitators, such as HCE, to deliver on BTEA’s strategic vision for the MICE sector,” he added.

Ming said: “The event in Bahrain will be a very emotional one for the Chinese exhibitors as it is part of our celebrations of the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.”

“In 2019 we are also commemorating the 40th Anniversary of China’s reforms and openness. The visitors to the fair from around the GCC will be able to see the remarkable industrial evolution and development of China in 40 years through the companies and products that will be on display,” he added.