Eskan Bank showcase projects at BIPEX 2006

BIPEX 2006 will be held from today until November 25 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).

'Eskan Bank has been a major player in the construction and development of Bahrain with housing and real estate projects financed by the bank. The bank is taking part in BIPEX 2006 for the first time,' announced Eyad Obaid, Property Development Manager, Eskan Bank, at a press conference yesterday.

Present at the press conference were Amal Al Aradi, Assistant Manager in Propoerties and Nawal Kamal, Communication Officer, Eskan Bank.

BIPEX 2006 will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister's Court.

Obaid said that with the rapid economic development in the Kingdom and directives from His Majesty the King, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and support from the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Eskan Bank is assisting in the economy in building villas, commercial services and shops in different areas of Bahrain.

He said, "We will launch 40 villas in Busaiteen and Hamad Town for middle income Bahrainis only. First preference will be given to the Bahrainis who do not have houses to date."

He said that the 40 villa project is the second phase of such kind of a project. Eight will be built in Busaiteen and 32 in Hamad Town on various locations.

Obaid said, "We are also currently constructing a small shopping mall and a kindergarten in Sitra. We have already built some shopping complexes in Salmabad, and planning to construct shops in Muharraq as per the demand by the Muharraq Municipal Council.

"We have already constructed a lot of small size commercial complexes in Hamad Town and will also construct three more. In Hamad Town we will also construct a light industrial area that will help Bahrainis to start new businesses. There will be some 40 to 50 units in the industrial area that will also help create more job opportunities."

" We support this event that is being held on international level and hope to see more and more businesses in the Kingdom. The department's participation in this event will help to share experiences and views with other developers.'

Tawfiq Hasan Al Maskati, Projects Finance Manager and General Manager of Southern Tourism Company (STC), said many projects are undertaken by STC, a subsidiary of Eskan Bank.

"The STC looks after tourism projects of the Southern Area; it is on the way to launch a new luxury ferry boat for Hawar Island. This ferry boat that is being built by Al Dahen Company and is fully certified for sea trips will increase the number of trips to the island. It will accommodate 53 individuals."

He added the STC is also studying plans for developing more chalets in the Hawar Island, facilities, children's play areas, cold stores and restaurants.