MANAMA: Jewellery Arabia is an open window to promote Bahrain's rich heritage, said the Premier yesterday.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa cut the ribbon at Bahrain International Exhibition Centre to launch the dazzling four-day show.

This year's 18th event is being held amid a big surge among exhibitors to showcase their best designs.

More than 600 jewellers are taking part, up 19 per cent on last year.

The Premier toured national and international pavilions displaying precious gems, finished jewellery and glamorous luxury watches.

Exhibitors hailed the Premier's role in ensuring Jewellery Arabia has grown and prospered over the last 18 years.

Prince Khalifa described the event as a great chance for Bahraini jewellers to keep abreast of the latest trends in very innovative jewellery fashions.

He also gave directives to expand the capacity of BIEC to accommodate growing demand. Instructions were given to Industry and Commerce Ministry officials to study the expansion potential to cope with the booming exhibition industry in Bahrain.

"The government is keen on promoting the exhibition industry, being a vital catalyst for all economic sectors," the Premier said.

He described Bahrain as an established destination for leading international firms planning to mount their exhibitions. This acknowledgement, he said, was an incentive for the government to streamline procedures and optimise the exhibition industry's economic dividends.

"Exhibitions are key to exchanging expertise, gain edge and explore opportunities for joint investment ventures", the Premier said.

He also stressed the government's resolve to build on achievements and continue bolstering Bahrain's political, economic and trade standing.

"Our steady growth indices, despite the global financial crisis, vindicate the sanity of Bahrain's economic policies," the Premier said.