RESTON, VA - The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is scheduled to exhibit at the "gulfBID" show in Bahrain, April 24-26 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.

AHEC said shipments of American hardwoods to Bahrain totaled more than $340,000, up 70% from 2010. In addition to exhibiting, AHEC will host a seminar on "Designing and Working with Sustainable American Hardwoods" targeted at woodworkers, interior designers, architects and importer professionals in Bahrain and the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

"Bahraini's are getting back to business, which is helping to restore confidence amidst a relatively difficult year across the MENA region," said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania. "Bahrain is demonstrating stable growth, which we believe marks an important turning point for the Kingdom's economy as customers, manufacturers and other industry players become active again. As we continue to monitor increased demand for American hardwoods across the MENA region, we will be undertaking further initiatives to highlight the exemplary qualities of American hardwoods and how using them can benefit the furniture, construction and other industries in the region."

AHEC runs a worldwide program to promote American hardwoods in more than 50 export markets. The group's website, ahec.org, lists more 20 events that it plans to participate at throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East Mexico, Australia and South America