Tamkeen plans growth in Bahraini agriculture

In line with its drive to enhance the capabilities of Bahrain's private sector and boost their contribution to economic development, Tamkeen is supporting Bahraini enterprises and farmers at the Bahrain International Garden Show through its "Tarweej" scheme, one of the many business support schemes under its flagship Enterprise Development Support Programme. The colourful event, which will take place from February 27 to March 2 2013 at the Bahrain International Convention and Exhibition Centre, is held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and the support of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and President of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development. Tamkeen supported 12 and 14 enterprises and farmers in the 2010 and 2012 shows, respectively, with a total contribution amount of nearly BD50,000. The number of beneficiaries at this year's show jumped to 26 enterprises and farmers with a contribution amount in excess of BD 45,000. Tamkeen's Senior Manager Private Sector Support Mohammed Bucheery said in a comment, "Tamkeen is a steadfast supporter of the agricultural sector as a key sector that can boost economic development. In addition to the wide range of enterprise support schemes available to all enterprises in Bahrain, Tamkeen also created the Bahraini Farmers Support scheme, a dedicated scheme which to date has enabled nearly 400 farmers to acquire technologies and equipment to boost their productivity." The "Tarweej" scheme is designed to support the development and sustainability of enterprises in Bahrain by expanding the outreach of their products and services through local, regional, and international exhibitions. All eligible enterprises in Bahrain may benefit from the scheme, but need to apply one month in advance of the desired event. More than 4,500 enterprises in Bahrain have benefited from Tamkeen's Enterprise Development Support Programme to date, which in addition to "Tarweej" also includes "Istishara" to assist in the strategic planning and determining vision and goals of the organization, the "Techania" to provide support for the purchase of latest enterprise-related tools and equipment, "Jawda" to assist in the design and application of world-class quality standards, "Tasweeq" to provide support in the design and implementation of effective marketing and communications strategies, and the Large Enterprises Support Scheme which allows large enterprises to acquire industrial machinery and technology. The Bahrain International Garden Show this year will carry a strong message to encourage investment in agriculture. The aim is to highlight the importance of additional investments in the agricultural sector, showcase the business value and high return on investments, and generate growth in this sector in order to increase its contribution to the Kingdom of Bahrain's economy.