Malaysia to boost trade ties with Bahrain with major expo

Caravan Malaysia 2003 will feature products from over 200 companies from various sectors including electrical and electronics, automobile industry, ICT, food and agriculture, furniture, building and construction, handicrafts and education.

Speaking at a press conference HE Naimun Ashakli Mohamad the Malaysian Ambassador to Bahrain said, 'The event is a manifestation of the continued efforts by our government to promote bilateral trade between Malaysia and Bahrain.'

The exhibition, which spans 6,000 square metres, will reflect the best of value-added Malaysian products and services. The entire event will be put together utilising 'Made in Malaysia' products and services. It will give the visitor a first-hand experience of what Malaysia has to offer.

Bilateral trade figures between Malaysia and Bahrain showed an increase of 51.7% over a period of five years.

'Our bilateral trade ties has seen enormous gains over the last five years, in 1997 trade between Bahrain and Malaysia stood at US $58 million which increased to US $88 million in 2002 an increase of 51.7 per cent,' said HE Mohd. Mustafa Abdul Aziz, Consul General, Consulate General of Malaysia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

'There are huge opportunities for growth and enhancing our trade ties with Bahrain and other GCC States. Companies can also benefit from Export and Import Bank of Malaysia's facilities for set-up of joint-ventures and or investment facilities in multi-billion projects in both countries.'

Trade relations between Bahrain and Malaysia have been registering a healthy growth in the past few years. Many multi-national companies have made Bahrain their regional Middle East hub because of the high standards of Bahrain's infrastructure and technological advances and Caravan Malaysia 2003 will help bring more Malaysian companies to Bahrain and the region.

'The event has been designed so that the visitor can experience, see and feel the products and services we have to offer. Artificial environment will be created to give a natural effect,' said Aureen Jean Nonis, Manager, MATRADE. 'Caravan Malaysia 2003 is not just an exhibition but an event where the visitor gets to see the material utilised.'

The exhibition has been designed to accommodate Malaysia's various industries and will be segmented to feature, brands, lifestyle, Malay pavilion and a main stage.

'Many cultural dance performances are scheduled during the three day event. The show will give the visitor a taste of Malaysia,' added Nonis.

Nonis further explained that each section of the exhibition will be unique bringing well known brands from various industry sectors to create stunning architectural and visual treats by combining Malaysian and Arabian designs. The exhibition is also a family event so that they can experience what Malaysia is all about.

'For example in the lifestyle section a living, dining, bedroom, children's room, office suite and gazebo will be recreated. These will not only create the ambience but will also showcase audio-visual equipment. The highlight will include technological features which enhance todays living convenience from smart home gadgets to the latest in digital entertainment technology,' said Nonis.

'The design and management of Caravan Malaysia 2003 has its role to play, i.e. to create the correct impressions of high quality, efficiency and modern technology that the local audiences expect. Understanding this mindset is fundamental, and Caravan Malaysia 2003 is designed to reflect the needs of locals, putting them in a 'comfort zone' that encourages positive relationships between Malaysian trade and our buyers.'

The three day event, which will be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre from November 29 to December 1, is also supported by the Department of Tourism Malaysia.

Caravan Malaysia 2003 is a tri-nation event which will next month (December) also be held in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

The exhibition is open to trade from 10am to 1pm and to the general public from 5pm to 10pm.