World Trade Centre on fast track to completion

A picture taken from the adjacent Bahrain Commercial Complex office tower shows the footprint of the two towers clearly in place emphasising the speed at which this development is progressing. DTZ Bahrain, International Property Advisers advising on the project, will be letting and managing the 50-storey twin tower development, which is being built on the site of the current Bahrain Commercial Complex adjacent to the Sheraton Hotel, and is scheduled for completion in June 2006.

At its full strength the current workforce will increase to between 1400 and 1500 labourers. Plans for the BWTC will make it more than just an office building; it is set to become Bahrain's most prestigious address, offering tenants and visitors a complete business environment incorporating extensive facilities to develop and enhance trade opportunities, as well as providing technically sophisticated commercial services, meeting rooms and conference facilities. Traditionally World Trade Centres the world over have a strong profile, attracting business investment and relationships and enhancing the commercial environment of the cities in which they are situated.

DTZ is working towards the success of the Bahrain World Trade Centre by engaging an experienced World Trade Centre Manager, Mr Paul Kotvis, formerly CEO of the World Trade Centre, Amsterdam, to consult on the project and provide advice on how to maximise on the Centre's potential for the Kingdom.

Mr Kotvis has had a short 10 day visit to Bahrain, during which time he has met with key officials in the Ministries, the Economic Development Board, The Bahrain Investment Centre, Chamber of Commerce and key members of Bahrain's business community. These meetings have allowed Mr Kotvis to obtain a clear picture of the business culture of the Kingdom. The knowledge he gained will allow him to create the appropriate strategies for the implementation of a business plan for the BWTC. He was impressed by the sophistication of Bahrain's business facilities and infrastructure, and commented, "We have an opportunity here to tell the world about Bahrain's strong commercial abilities and through the World Trade Centre Association can reach 750,000 businesses who are in the network."

Robin Williamson, General Manager of DTZ, commented, "We are proud to be moving on with this project at an impressive pace. The Bahrain World Trade Centre will be a showcase for the Kingdom of Bahrain and for the region, reinforcing its commercial strengths and enhancing its position as a major commercial hub for trade and finance in the Middle East and the global market place."

There are more than 300 World Trade Centres in over 100 countries and all are linked to the World Trade Centre Association which is more than just an organization. Established in 1970, The World Trade Centre Association, stands outside politics and moves across national boundaries offering a service to those who wish to develop and facilitate international trade opportunities. 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.

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 working towards the growth of indigenous companies as well as attracting international investment and trade opportunities.

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 undertake a complete refurbishment and will also become an integral part of the Bahrain World Trade Centre.