9th International Invention Fair of Middle East kicks off

KUWAIT, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah the 9th International Invention Fair of Middle East (IIFME) kicked off Monday evening, with the participation of nearly 200 inventors from across the globe.
"The IIFME has become a globally-admired Kuwaiti event," Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Sabah said in the inaugural speech.
He pointed out that IIFME has brought together inventors and inventors from the four corners of the globe to exchange ideas and expertise.
He lauded the IIFME as the second largest international exhibition for inventions after the International Invention Exhibition of Geneva.
"Every year, the IIFME showcases a plethora of impressive Kuwaiti, Gulf and Arab inventions," he said.
For his part, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Abdullatif Al-Zayani lauded Kuwait's hosting of the event that aims to foster invention and creativity.
He added that Kuwait's embracing of inventors and their inventions embodies its great interest in promoting creative thinking.
Al-Zayani applauded the displayed inventions which meets the needs of the society and shows potential and skills of young inventors and their endeavors to better serve their societies.
Meanwhile, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce Sheikh Namer Al-Sabah voiced appreciation of His Highness the Amir's sponsorship of the event.
His Highness the Amir's patronage of the IIFME reflects his support to youth in general and young inventors in particular, he said.
He clarified that the ministry of commerce is providing all necessary help for inventors register their inventions and record their patent and intellectual rights.
For his part, Head of the IIFME organizing committee Talal Al-Kharafi unveiled over 200 inventors from 36 countries are showcasing their inventions in IIFME during the period 16 to 19 January.
He noted that Kuwait is represented in the event with 32 inventors.
The event, themed "investor-inventor meeting aims to bring international, Arab, Gulf, and Kuwaiti inventors and investors together, he said.
He added that it is also meant to build a community for regional and international inventors from all over the world under a unique umbrella in the exhibition's hall at the Kuwaiti Scientific Club.
The fair will offer cash awards totaling in value USD 100,000; these include a grand prix of USD 15,000, the KSC prize - USD 10,000, the GCC Patent Office prize - 50,000 Saudi riyals for the three top winners from the GCC countries, the award of the International Exhibition of Geneva - USD 15,000, and an award from World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (end) zak.ibi