‘Perfect platform’

Manama : Expos like the Jewellery Arabia 2016 are perfect platforms to attract investments to the Kingdom, said Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday.

The Prime Minister stressed that Jewellery Arabia provides a platform for mega companies, world brands and exhibitors for all over the world to hold trade partnerships and share experiences on ways to develop such a vital industry.

Prince Khalifa made the statements yesterday while opening the 25th Middle East International Jewellery & Watch Exhibition (Jewellery Arabia 2016). It was organised by the Arabian Exhibition Management WLL at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC).

The Premier urged to focus on specialised exhibitions in the gold and jewellery industry to spur the Kingdom’s economy and tourism sectors.

The PM also called for preparing a new generation of specialised experts in this industry, which constitutes a main component of Bahrain’s authentic heritage.

Prince Khalifa praised the Kingdom’s development strides, as well as its ability to attract investments. This reflects the solidity of Bahrain’s economic structure, which helps the country to lead in flexibility and competitiveness amid the rapidly unfolding development witnessed by the global economy, the PM added.

A total of 600 exhibitors from 30 countries participated in the expo. The exhibits range from incredibly finished jewellery to luxury timepieces, to precious stones of every size, shape and cut. 

The Prime Minister cut the ribbons, and officially declared the expo open. The PM then toured the pavilions of eminent national and international jewellery houses, and expressed admiration of the displayed exhibits.

The Premier praised the large scale participation at Jewellery Arabia and the growing world interest in the brands displayed in it, which, he said, testifies to the outstanding success achieved by the event, held annually for 25 years.

“This affirms Bahrain’s success in being a distinguished destination for the exhibitions and conferences industry in the region,” Prince Khalifa said.

The Kingdom is proud of being a country with an outstanding reputation in the gold and jewellery industry, regionally and internationally, the PM added, stressing that such reputation has been consolidated by successive generations of creative Bahrainis. 

“We feel happy when we see the high level and good taste displayed by the gold and jewellery industry in the Kingdom, and we are keen on supporting this industry through providing all facilities to ensure it achieves more excellence and success,” he added.

The Prime Minister asserted that the expansion of the specialised exhibitions and conferences industry is an essential part of the government’s plans and programmes, given its role in boosting the national economy and supporting efforts to diversify revenue sources and create job opportunities for the citizens.

He underlined the government’s constant support to the investment sector and businessmen in the Kingdom by providing all facilities that enable the sector to play its role in pushing the progress boom in various fields.

The Premier expressed utmost appreciation to business owners and investors, reiterating the government’s keenness on ensuring that the investment atmosphere remains free and open so as to motivate them to pump capitals into new projects in various sectors.

The Prime Minister valued highly those in charge of Jewellery Arabia for their successful efforts to provide all requirements to ensure the sustainability of the event and its ability to attract mega jewellery companies, wishing them further success.