Trade Arabia reported that Bahrain's BHD 134 million Khalifa bin Salman Port is set to be officially launched next month.

The state of the art facility, which has been up and running since April will be opened under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and Finance Minister Mr Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.

The official inauguration, on December 6 was announced at the launch of the fifth annual Trans Middle East container ports, shipping and transport logistics exhibition and conference trade event being held at the Gulf Hotel's International Convention Centre.

Mr Charles Menkhost CEO of APM Terminals Africa, Middle East and Indian subcontinent region said that the port's launch marked the beginning of a long journey to economic recovery in the global maritime industry.

He said that “As we speak, we are one year into the most challenging economic downturn in living memory. It is no secret that the shipping industry is closely connected to the world economy and this industry has definitely been affected by the economic crisis. These tough economic times have forced companies to focus on the short term survival but here in Bahrain, it's great to see that the Kingdom is at the heart of a growing economic region, which continues to enjoy steady growth rates.”

Mr Menkhorst said that while Gulf economies have continued to post modest gains during recent months, this was in contrast to other countries across the globe. He added that Bahrain's strategic location as a port for shipping lines looking to invest in Gulf markets meant that there was a unique opportunity for the country to secure itself as an international shipping heavyweight.

(Sourced from Trade Arabia)