World Trade Centre expert gives media presentation

Mr Kotvis who is currently visiting the Kingdom at the invitation of DTZ Bahrain, gave a presentation on how Bahrain can benefit from links with the WTCA through the establishment of The Bahrain World Trade Centre (BWTC). The BWTC is currently under construction at the site of the Bahrain Commercial Complex (BCC), adjacent to the Sheraton Hotel and is due for completion in June 2006.

Mr Kotvis, who has experience in running one of WTCA's largest projects, has been employed as a consultant by international property advisers DTZ, who are the managing and leasing agents for the development. He will be advising the DTZ and the scheme's owners on how to capitalise on the strength of the marketing potential BWTC has, and will submit a report on how Bahrain can make the most of the WTCA network and implement strategies to maximise its success.

During the presentation Mr Kotvis said "Bahrain has a lot to offer and I have been incredibly surprised by the level of sophistication in business, technology and infrastructure I have seen during my short visit. People know about Bahrain's success in Formula One, and through the network of 300 World Trade Centres in over 100 countries they will now come to know about the fantastic trade opportunities which this part of the world has to offer."

The Bahrain World Trade Centre will have a particularly high profile in the Kingdom and will be a showcase for the region. More than a building or an organization, the World Trade Centre Association, established in 1970, stands outside politics and moves across national boundaries in service to those who wish to develop and facilitate international trade. The organisation brings together exporters, importers and service providers who offer essential trade services and consequently help to stimulate the economy of the region it serves.

Robin Williamson, General Manager of DTZ commented, "We are delighted to be able to make this announcement which reinforces Bahrain's commercial strengths and enhances its' position as a major commercial hub for trade in the Middle East and the global economy as a whole."

DTZ is one of the world's largest firms of international property advisers and will be utilising its world wide network to attract high quality tenants. They will also implement plans to ensure that local businesses obtain maximum benefit from the activities of a fully fledged World Trade Centre in Bahrain. One of the World Trade Centre's key abilities is to help grow indigenous companies as well as attracting international trade.

The 50-storey twin tower office building will be the tallest building in Bahrain standing at more 240 metres in height and will offer 43 storeys of tenantable office space. The development will also include almost 150 additional retail units in an extension to the existing mall along with top quality restaurants, leisure and business facilities. The Sheraton Hotel will be undertaking a complete refurbishment and will also become an integral part of the Bahrain World Trade Centre.

DTZ is a leading global real estate services company providing a full range of services on a local, regional and international level to investors, occupiers and owners across all sectors of the real estate market. The company has over 7,700 staff operating from 125 offices throughout 42 different countries worldwide.