KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia will set up a trade and exhibition center in Bahrain to further enhance its bilateral trade with the Arab state and increase exports of products and services to the region.

International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz said the Bahrain government had allocated 3 hectares to 4 hectares in its capital Manama for the construction of the center, IRNA reported.

She said the Malaysian government would bear the costs of the center and be responsible for its construction, day-to-day operation and management.

"This is our first comprehensive trade and exhibition center overseas as the present centers in Dubai and Rotterdam are only meant for exhibitions," Rafidah told a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur.

According to Rafidah, the cabinet had officially approved the setting up of the center in Manama last Wednesday.

Malaysia's trade to West Asia totalled rm6.192billion (U.S.$1.63 billion) last year, representing 1.7 percent of Malaysia's global trade.

She said that having a center in Bahrain would open tremendous opportunities as it was close to potential markets like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

She said the center would be a landmark building with Malaysian architecture, with a covered area of 20,000 sq m. The construction period for the center is estimated at 12 to 14 months.

Rafidah said the center operating as a hypermarket would feature facilities such as retail space for made-in-Malaysia products, showcasing local products and services, and information on the country.

"It will have warehouse facilities for wholesale, storage and distribution of products to Bahrain and its surrounding region," she said.

To attract visitors, the center will also have value-added activities such as a family entertainment center, food outlets, health center, and specialty shops.