Bahrain is in direct contact with ports across the GCC to support traders in navigating logistical challenges during this period of uncertainty following Iranian attacks on the region, a senior official has said.
Speaking during an online meeting with traders and supermarket owners from the country, the Transportations and Telecommunications Ministry’s Ports and Maritime Affairs Under-Secretary Bader Al Mahmood affirmed that the kingdom is working diligently to ensure the stability of supply chains.
Mr Al Mahmood
He assured traders that despite the challenges, Bahrain remains more united than ever and is taking all measures to ensure staples reach the kingdom without fail.
“Despite being under Iranian strikes since February 28, we remain dedicated to ensuring food stability,” he said. “There are some logistical issues that we are trying to solve due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We are prioritising food, medicine and other essentials for the people of Bahrain.
“Additionally, we are working hard to ensure minimal delivery time.
“We remain in contact with terminals in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Salalah in Oman and Fujairah in the UAE. Due to the closure of the Bahrain International Airport, we have had to find alternative entry points for cargo as well.” During the virtual meeting, it was revealed that officials from government agencies are working hard to ensure that prices remain stable, and that shipments are directly delivered to Bahrain.
Traders were informed that Gulf Air has temporarily shifted its operations to Dammam due to the closure of Bahrain’s airspace. They were also assured that strong connectivity with India and Thailand remains in place to ensure the continued flow of food supplies into Bahrain via the King Fahad Causeway.
The Health Ministry is streamlining procedures at the causeway following a meeting with its GCC counterparts.
Additionally, other GCC nations are facilitating the movement of food and essential goods through their respective entry points. To maintain high efficiency across all channels, Mr Al Mahmood said Bahrain will continue direct co-ordination with countries across the region.
“Bahrain is establishing direct links with ports in order to help traders to receive their cargo,” he said.
“We are continuously in direct contact with Jeddah, Salalah and Fujairah, three gateways which the GCC is highly dependent on.
“The terminals in these major ports can handle huge capacities. In comparison to places like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain needs a minimal supply of essentials, which is very doable.
“Meanwhile, Khalifa Bin Salman Port will remain as operational as possible in order to deliver all essential supplies and commodities for the local Bahraini market.”
Following the meeting, Bahrain Chamber Food Sector Committee chair Khalid Al Amin stated that a new 24-hour hotline will be set up to help traders with any issues they may have and to answer their questions.
Meanwhile, traders having difficulties in importing food products through ports of entry are being asked to contact the Complaints Unit by scanning a QR code, available on @bahrainchamber, and completing the complaint form.
The GDN reported on Wednesday that food stocks are sufficient to meet the needs of the population and the markets are stable.
According to Mr Al Amin, the Food Sector Committee continues to monitor stocks of essentials, and efforts are underway to further make sure that there are enough supplies for all.
He requested that priority be given to clearing essential food items at ports to ensure their rapid arrival to markets and meetings are being held with major food importers to ensure availability.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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