As part of its efforts to develop the Bahraini private sector, Tamkeen supported the participation of 10 Bahraini enterprises in the 20th Al Ayam Book Fair (Cultural Festival), which opened at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre last week.

The support is part of the “Tarweej” programme, which Tamkeen offers to help enterprises participate in local and foreign exhibitions. Tamkeen covers 80% of the total participation cost, which includes registration fees, space rentals, stand installation, tickets, accommodation, and shipping costs.

Commenting on his participation in the fair, Abdullah Mohammed Siyadi, owner of Dar Al Hikma publishing, said: “As as SME, we focus on marketing our products through local and regional exhibitions; and we have been participating in these exhibitions for almost 20 years. We seek to promote culture and knowledge and market Bahraini books that we publish in the areas of environment, education, diet, children, and general knowledge. This is our first participation through the “Tarweej” programme, and so far, the experience has been positive, which gives us the responsibility to develop our work even further. We plan to apply again to benefit from Tamkeen’s programme to participate in regional exhibitions that we regularly attend.”

Nahla Abdulrahman Abu AlFath, General Director of Masaa Publishing and Distribution, commented: “There are a few publication houses in Bahrain. Al Ayam Cultural Festival is therefore considered one of the most important events that help local publishers promote their books. This is our first participation under the “Tarweej” programme which is offered by Tamkeen, and we have seen great results from it. Many people from Bahrain and abroad visited our stand. Given how our experience went, we are planning to participate in important book fairs that will be held in Qatar and Oman with the support of the “Tarweej” programme once more.”

Enterprises can benefit from Tarweej programme more than once until the support amounts allocated to them have been used. The amount is allocated every two years: BD15,000 for small enterprises and BD20,000 for intermediate and large enterprises.

To date, more than 6,500 enterprises in Bahrain have benefited from Tamkeen’s Enterprise Development Support Programme (EDS), which in addition to “Tarweej” also includes “Istishara” scheme to assist in the strategic planning and determining vision and goals of the organisation, the “Techania” scheme to provide support for the purchase of latest enterprise-related tools and equipment, “Jawda” scheme to assist in the design and application of world-class quality standards, “Tasweeq” scheme to provide support in the design and implementation of effective marketing, and the Legal Services Support Scheme, which provides enterprises with legal support in their commercial transactions.

Enterprises wishing to benefit from Tamkeen’s Enterprise Development Support programmes may visit Tamkeen’s Enterprise Development Support Agency at Meral Building located in Seef area, or call the toll-free number (80008001), or email (edsa@tamkeen.bh).

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Background information

Tamkeen (Labour Fund) is an independent authority which formulates strategic and operational plans to use the fees collected by the LMRA in order to enhance the overall prosperity of Bahrain by investing in Bahraini employability, job creation, and social support. More...

Tamkeen (Labour Fund) is an independent authority which formulates strategic and operational plans to use the fees collected by the LMRA in order to enhance the overall prosperity of Bahrain by investing in Bahraini employability, job creation, and social support.

Tamkeen aims to be the enabler and driver in promoting business growth and offering rewarding employment opportunities in order to attain prosperous living for Bahrainis.

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Hill & Knowlton is a leading international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients. The firm is headquartered in New York, with 79 offices in 44 countries, as well as an extensive associate network.

Hill & Knowlton is a leading international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients. The firm is headquartered in New York, with 79 offices in 44 countries, as well as an extensive associate network.