Bahrain’s Emergency Markets Logistics Index rank drops

Bahrain’s ranking in an annual Emerging Markets Logistics Index dropped two places this year despite performing well in some key areas.

The Kingdom came 12th in the Emerging Markets Logistics Index for Countries with GDP less than US$300b. Last year, Bahrain also had a higher index score.

Bahrain was ranked 26th with an index score of 4.90 in the 2016 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index and 7th for market connectedness while it came 11th for market compatibility.

China topped the list with an index of 7.91 while many Middle Eastern countries including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait also performed well. The UAE came second on the list with an index of 7.00 while Saudi Arabia was fifth with 6.62.

Undersecretary for Industrial Affairs Osama Al Arrayed had stated last week that the transportation and logistics sectors are priority sectors for Bahrain.

“This sector is witnessing strong growth in recent times and has important linkages with other industries either as a driver or in a support role,” Al Arrayed said while he was speaking on behalf of the Minister of Industry, Commerce  & Tourism Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani at the launch of a multinational company in Askar last week.

“The government is focusing on infrastructure development with expansion of the Bahrain International Airport, a larger seaport and state of the art Bahrain Logistics Zone and the upcoming Railway Project that will link with the GCC Rail Network,” he added.