MEFTEC 2004 concludes

The expectation of the exhibitors has been fulfilled with a very international audience from about 40 countries from around the globe with an especially strong showing by banks and financial institutions from the GCC countries and the Middle East.

Nearly 1,500 participants from all segments of the financial sector including Central Banks, Stock Exchanges and insurance companies have been registered during the 3-day exhibition and conference with over 60% of the participants from abroad, which sets a new record for Bahrain's convention and meeting industry.

The event has been held under the patronage of H.E. Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Governor of the Bahrain Monetary Agency, who is very pleased with the strong interest and support shown by the local, regional and international IT industry. Dr. Abdul-Rahman A. Saif, Executive Director Corporate Services, BMA said: "We are pleased with the success of MEFTEC especially the exhibition and we were very happy with the turnout of visitors at the exhibition. In the three days of the event, the halls had a constant flow of traffic, which included business people networking, as well as delegates and exhibition guests meeting with exhibitors."

He also added, "MEFTEC 2004 built a good foundation and hopefully next year's will reach an even bigger audience and gain more support after the accomplishment achieved this year."

Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, Asst. Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Deputy Chairman of the Bahrain Convention & Exhibition Bureau commented: "With MEFTEC we have crossed into a new territory and clearly extended our competency in the organization of professional trade shows and conferences. The event is a testimony for the benefit of international co-operation where the expertise of an established event organizers is combined with the local contacts and support of the government."

The general feeling is best expressed by the statement made by some of the exhibitiors. Mr. Khalique Quadri of PIBAS from Pakistan said: "Bahrain is a growing financial market and the show was very much focused on the financial industry. We are very satisfied with the response we have received in the last two days and would definitely like to participate in future editions of the show."

Omar Draghmeh, Financial Sector Manager, North Gulf (Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar) said: "We are very delighted to have participated in MEFTEC as the Platinum Sponsor. With over 93 exhibitors from 23 countries attending the event, and an exclusive focus on the financial services institutions, I am sure we made the right decision. We look forward to sponsoring the future edition of MEFTEC."

Alex Green, Regional Alliances Manager, TEMENOS summarized said: "MEFTEC has been one of the best trade events I have attended. The quality of the audience was exceptionally high, with 8 out of 10 visitors to our stand being senior industry buyers. I would like to congratulate the organisers for a job well done."

Due to the positive feedback from the exhibitors, conference delegates and trade visitors the organizers have been prompted to announce the 2nd MIDDLE EAST FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE to be held in February 2006. The date for the second event has been recommended by various industry leaders who suggested early 2006 because of budgeting and purchasing cycles of the banking and financial industry. The event will be organized by the Bahrain Convention & Exhibition Bureau in cooperation with Media Generation Exhibitions Limited, United Kingdom.