Tamkeen extends support to 23 companies at GITEX Technology Week

23 Bahraini companies have signed up with Tamkeen’s “Tarweej” scheme – one of the main schemes under its flagship Enterprise Development Support programme - to showcase their hi-tech products and services at GITEX Technology Week 2011, the region’s leading ICT expo, set to take place in Dubai from Oct 9 – 13.

The companies will be part of the Bahrain Pavilion at the exhibition, which also features the Economic Development Board, the eGovernment Authority, and the Ministry of Interior, amongst others.

“GITEX Technology Week is the premier event of its kind in the Middle East.  As such, it will be a great opportunity for me to network and exchange expertise with decision makers from around the region, as well as exploring possible business partnerships with companies outside of Bahrain,” said Ahmed Husain, Managing Director of Reload Consulting Services, a consulting firm based in Bahrain which provides innovative data security services such as “ethical hacking” to clients across a wide range of sectors.

“Although I have been coming to GITEX for several years, this is the first time for me as an exhibitor, and I am immensely proud to have my company represented as part of the Bahrain Pavilion. Bahrain boasts a mature well-developed ICT sector, but I believe there is still a lot of room and potential to grow. The benefits we reap from Tamkeen’s various schemes is a positive step towards achieving this goal,” he added.

“Tarweej” – Tamkeen’s Growth Assistance scheme provides financial support businesses in Bahrain to cover the cost of participation in leading local, regional, and international exhibitions.

As per the updates to the Enterprise Development Support programme schemes which went into effect in June, Tamkeen contributed BD 3,360 – or 80% - of the BD 4,200 exhibition fee to each company. Tamkeen will also cover the cost of airfare, accommodation, and cargo.

“Having a robust ICT sector is central to achieving the knowledge-based economy outlined in our national economic strategy, so we are pleased to see the strong demand from Bahrain-based businesses working in the sector for our schemes.” said Mohammed Bucheery, Tamkeen’s Senior Manager of Private Sector Support.

“We believe having these companies be part of the Bahrain Pavilion at this prestigious event will benefit everyone involved as it will drive more traffic to the area while demonstrating the strength of Bahrain’s ICT sector as a whole,” he added.

Since the second phase of the Enterprise Development Support programme commenced in November of 2009. 578 companies have benefited from the Tarweej scheme as of the end of August of this year, with Tamkeen contributing BD 871,424 to the scheme over that period.