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Bahrain
showcases modern logistics infrastructure to more than 20,000 expected visitors
–
Manama, January 14th, 2014:
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) announces its sponsorship of the
third biannual Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), which opens this week at
the Sakhir Air Base, Kingdom of Bahrain, from 16 to 18 January 2014.
The
event, organised by the Ministry of Transportation and Royal Bahrain Air Force,
under supervision of HM the King’s Personal Representative and Head of the
Supreme Organising Committee of BIAS, HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa,
is set to be the biggest yet, offering a combination of exclusive networking
and investment opportunities for global and regional businesses and exciting
sights for families and aviation enthusiasts. .
Commenting
ahead of the event, HE Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting
Chief Executive of the Bahrain EDB, said: “The Bahrain International Airshow is
one of the most important events in the Kingdom’s calendar that reflects Bahrain’s
position as a leading business and financial hub at
the heart of the Gulf.
“International investors looking to access the $1.5 trillion Gulf market
are looking for a location that provides excellent connectivity across the
region. This event provides an opportunity to showcase Bahrain’s unparalleled
regional connectivity by road, sea, and air. It also enables us to welcome
leading transport and logistics businesses to Bahrain – sectors that have seen
rapid expansion in recent years.”
Amongst
the high level industry participants confirmed to attend BIAS are leading
manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier, Lockheed Martin and
Sikorsky Aircraft. Other international companies participating include Qatar
Airways; BAE Systems; Thales Group; Sukhoi Civil Aircraft from Russia; France’s
Morpho (Safron); Lufthansa Technic from Germany; India’s Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO); Tawazun Holding from Abu Dhabi; TAG
Aeronautics and Saudi Airlines from Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain
is widely regarded as the historical centre of aviation in the Gulf. The
Kingdom launched the region’s first international carrier, Gulf Air, and was
the first to open an international airport. In 2012, 8.5 million passengers
travelled through Bahrain International Airport, 8.8% more than in 2011, with
this number set to rise substantially following planned airport modernisation
projects. Together with the Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) and Bahrain
Logistics Zone (BLZ), Bahrain offers investors the shortest travel time between
seaport, airport and logistics processing zones anywhere in the Gulf.
Transport
and communications has been one of the most dynamic sectors of the Bahraini
economy with an annual growth rate of 9.8% in 2000 – 2012. Overall, the
Bahraini economy is set to come in at close to 5% in 2013, increasing from 3.4%
in 2012.
