Cooperation plans with FedEx Express discussed

Manama, Apr. 30 (BNA): The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed held a meeting with leading American express delivery company, FedEx. The minister was briefed on the company's future projects, which are aimed at developing its air cargo operations at Bahrain International Airport (BIA), and its plans to increase the volume of goods transported through BIA. “Cooperation and coordination with international companies will play an important role in enhancing Bahrain's strategic position as a leading provider of efficient and reliable logistics services in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and wider Middle East," he said. "The ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and BAC pay close attention to the development of the logistics sector, which plays a prominent role in creating employment opportunities and directly contributes to the country’s Gross domestic product (GDP). The ministry’s goal is to ensure a smooth regulatory and legislative environment that helps to facilitate import procedures for cargo companies. It also supports logistics companies located in the Bahrain Logistics Zone by enabling seamless access to all GCC counties through BIA.” The current cargo terminal at BIA operates around the clock and can accommodate around 19,000 square metres of goods, including export and trans-shipment goods, and cargo transported between the airport and customs clearance. It also houses dedicated facilities and equipment for storing bulk cargo such as freezing rooms, chillers, and cold storage. Furthermore, it has dedicated areas for dangerous goods, livestock, radioactive materials, precious goods, diplomatic shipments, and mail. FedEx Express is a major airfreight company based at BIA. The meeting was in line with ongoing efforts to transform logistics and air cargo into one of Bahrain’s primary industries and was attended by FedEx Express Middle East and Africa Vice President of Operations, Tariq Hinedi, BAC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, other BAC management team members, and representatives from the Economic Development Board.