Bahraini PM deputises deputy PM to open Jewellery Arabia 2014

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa deputised Deputy Premier Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa to open Jewellery Arabia 2014, held under his patronage at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC).
The Deputy Premier conveyed to the Exhibition's officials and participants sincere greetings and congratulations on the opening of the 23rd edition, and wishes of every success.
He affirmed that the government's support for the exhibition industry will continue unabated so as to consolidate Bahrain’s position as a hub of regional and global exhibitions, including Jewellery Arabia in which the kingdom has achieved remarkable success, as part of its efforts to diversify revenue sources.
He said that the increasing number of participants from various countries in Jewellery Arabia reflects the global confidence in the kingdom's investment atmosphere and innumerable facilities.
He stressed that the exhibition and conferences industry is one of the efficient means to promote countries, underlining the constant desire of the government, led by HRH Premier, to provide incentives and facilities in order to attract various investments, as the best way to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the national economy and spur economic progress.
He added that the kingdom is witnessing a boom of mega development projects, as part of its efforts to consolidate the country's status as an attractive investment destination.
He toured the pavilions of eminent national and international jewellery houses, and was informed about the displayed precious gems, finished jewellery and luxury watches, as well as the latest innovations in gold and silver handicrafts.
Industry and Commerce Minister Dr. Hassan Abdulla Fakhro lauded HRH Premier's patronage of Jewellery Arabia 2014, noting that the Premier's kind gesture testifies to the interest of the wise leadership and the government to attract specialised world exhibitions and develop the exhibitions tourism sector and increase its contributions to the kingdom's GDP.
The five-day exhibition of gem, jewellery and watches is spread over 18,000 square metres, an uptake of over 2,000 sqm from the 2013 expo size.
The total number of exhibitors this year is 600 from over 30 nations. The exhibition is open to the public from 4.00 pm to 10.00 pm till November 21 and 12 pm to 10.00 pm on November 22.
A total of 48,470 people from Bahrain and abroad visited Jewellery Arabia 2013.