On this occasion, the Second Vice Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, Mohammed Al Kooheji, emphasized that that the session serves as a crucial platform for addressing the key challenges facing maritime shipments. He highlighted the importance of cooperation among various entities, starting with the Ports and Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Bahrain Shipping Agents Association, and extending to all relevant ministries. Al Kooheji stressed the need for effective coordination with the Supreme Council for Environment, Customs Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture to implement sustainable solutions that will enhance the efficiency of Bahrain’s maritime sector.
He also highlighted the global shift towards digitization, emphasizing the need to adopt cutting-edge technologies in areas such as electronic payments, shipping, and customs clearance. He noted that these advancements will streamline procedures, reduce barriers to the flow of shipments, and boost Bahrain's global competitiveness. Al Kooheji further affirmed the Bahrain Chamber's commitment to ongoing dialogue with the private sector to address their challenges, stressing that an ideal strategy for developing maritime transport requires both legislative improvements and the integration of advanced technological solutions.
In this context, the discussion focused on the transition to electronic payments within the logistics sector. Speakers noted that some transport companies remain unprepared for this shift, highlighting the need to enhance technological readiness to streamline the process.
For his part, Undersecretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs, Bader Hood Al Mahmood, highlighted the government’s strong commitment to the logistics sector, recognizing it as a pivotal area of focus within the Economic Recovery Plan. This sector is viewed as a crucial driver of growth for Bahrain’s non-oil GDP. He outlined three primary areas for enhancement: "enhancing electronic payment systems, working on reducing the time required for government approvals related to shipping and unloading, and improving the efficiency of receiving goods and containers from the port." He emphasized that the ultimate objective is to operate the port around the clock, which will accelerate container deliveries and enhance the overall efficiency of Bahrain's logistics sector, benefiting all stakeholders involved.
For his part, Chairman of transportation and logistics committee at the Bahrain Chamber, Jassim Al Moussawi, emphasized the committee’s role in strengthening communication between its private sector members and both public and private institutions, while highlighting the critical importance of unifying efforts.
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