Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, the UNIDO Investment & Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain co-organized in cooperation with the National Initiative for Agricultural Development the 8^th Bahrain International Garden Show held under the theme of Sustainable Food Security in Bahrain on January 16^th to 18^th, 2012.

ITPO Bahrain through the full sponsorship of the Islamic Development Bank (travel, accommodation and shipping of products for 20 Arab entrepreneurs) showcased through its 180 sqm pavilion the accomplishments of thirty five Arab Entrepreneurs from eight countries namely; Bahrain, Lebanon, Sudan, Yemen, Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq and Jordan. The agricultural products and services presented included seeds, cut flowers, herbal products, organic fruits & vegetables, soil enhancers, plants, water management & irrigation systems and the latest designs in landscaping.

The ITPO pavilion was themed “Bahrain: Home of Arab Entrepreneurs” and its overall design was inspired from a traditional Bahraini home encompassing a garden, fish farming, aqua-ponics, flowers and various agricultural products. And this has led the organizing committee to award the UNIDO, Bahrain pavilion First Prize as it fell exactly in line with the Show’s major theme of attaining sustainable food security.

HRH Princess Sabika Bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women inaugurated the UNIDO pavilion and expressed her sincere appreciation to UNIDO in its relentless efforts in strengthening and empowering entrepreneurs locally, regionally and internationally in all sectors of the economy.

The Bahrain International Garden Show was very successful as it attracted 15,000 guests during its three day event and has played a significant role in creating linkages between Arab and foreign entrepreneurs in addition to that it had a strong effect on creating awareness on the importance of agriculture in light of the growing demand and urgency for sustainable food security in the Gulf Region. As studies have shown that the current food imports to the region is in the value of $25 billion annually and this is expected to double by 2020.

Accordingly, the Show presented an excellent opportunity for our entrepreneurs working in this field to get exposed to the best practices in water management, irrigation, soil enhancement & management; in addition to exploring possibilities of joint cooperation and investments in the agricultural sector.

 

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