"The development builds on Bahrain's already strong ability to trade with countries across the world demonstrated by the kingdom's free trade agreement with the US," the statement continued. APM Terminals will manage operations at the new port.
Cost effective
"The new Khalifa Bin Salman Port and the Bahrain Logistics Zone offer businesses a highly efficient and cost effective access to the region," the company's chief commercial officer Iain Rawlinson said.
Bahrain wants to capitalise on its geographical position as it is located just 40 kilometres from Saudi Arabia and has links to Qatar and the rest of the Gulf.