Bahrain And UAE Tops World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023

Bahrain cemented new rankings on the Logistics Performance Index 2023 published by World Bank as the ‘Most Improving Country in the GCC’, ranking 2nd in the Arab World, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranking 1st. Owing to the milestone projects and initiatives delivered within the logistics sector across the past years, the Kingdom advanced 25 positions on the index and 58 positions on the ‘Timeliness Subindex’ to reach 2nd in MENA (10th globally) because of the least aviation import dwell time on average. Moreover, Bahrain ranked 1st in the GCC regarding minimal delay observations in imports and exports.

The World Bank report offers a comprehensive review of the trade logistics performance, collecting data from May to October 2022 across 139 countries, using six components assessing namely efficiency of customs clearance, quality of trade & transport infrastructure, ease of arranging competitively priced international shipments, quality of logistics services, the ability to track consignments, and timeliness.

Commenting on the occasion, Ahmed Sultan, Executive Director of Business Development of Manufacturing, Transport, and Logistics at the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: “Bahrain’s high ranking and favourable performance was earned because of its robust supply chain and advanced logistics infrastructure. Bahrain is a gateway to the Gulf, with unparalleled access to MENA and beyond, where companies can benefit from Free Trade Agreements covering 22 countries offering privileged, duty-free access to 30% of the world’s GDP.”

“In line with the Economic Recovery Plan, this milestone ranking is a step in the right direction in achieving the targets outlined in the Logistics Services Sector Strategy, which seeks to secure the Kingdom’s position among the leading global logistics services hubs.”

The logistics sector is a priority under the Kingdom’s Economic Recovery Plan, which aims to position Bahrain as one of the top 20 global destinations for logistics services and increase the sector’s GDP contribution in 2030 to 10%. Launched in November 2021, the key pillars under the four-year Logistics Services Sector Strategy (2022-26) are backed by strategic initiatives, which focus on reviewing laws and regulations, developing infrastructure facilities, enhancing policies and procedures, providing incentives for investors, and promoting investment opportunities, all while strengthening regional and international engagement.