Bahrain Strengthens Food Supply Chain Coordination

Joint Meeting Focuses on Food Security and Logistics

The Head of the Food Sector Committee at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Khalid Al Ameen, emphasized the committee’s continued efforts in coordination with government entities and the private sector to take all necessary measures to maintain the smooth flow of food supply chains and prevent any market disruptions or exploitation of current conditions.

He noted that these efforts have contributed to achieving relative stability in the local market and reassuring citizens about the continuous and safe availability of essential goods.

Al Ameen made the remarks during an expanded virtual coordination meeting that brought together the Food Sector Committee with the Ports and Customs Affairs departments, the Public Health Directorate, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, APM Terminals, Gulf Air, Bahrain Exports, A.P. Moller–Maersk, and several food traders.

He said that the visits of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to markets to ensure the availability of essential goods and the smooth flow of supply chains—reflecting the steadfast approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in safeguarding national stability under all circumstances—serve as strong motivation to continue joint public-private cooperation to ensure sustainable food supplies and market stability.

Al Ameen added that His Royal Highness’s statement during those visits, “Bahrain is fine as long as you are its people,” formed the strategic framework for the meeting. The statement, he said, represents a message to every citizen that unity among Bahrain’s people is the key to overcoming challenges, and a message to those working in the commercial sector that they are essential partners in protecting market stability and strengthening food security.

He stressed that this confidence is not merely words, but a national responsibility that encourages collective action to safeguard the stability of the local market.

The meeting discussed challenges related to regional shipping movements and ways to enhance coordination to ensure the continued flow of food supplies into the Kingdom. Participants reviewed several logistical issues affecting some shipments at regional ports, as well as solutions to facilitate their transfer through alternative ports and onward by land to Bahrain, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains.

The discussions also covered concerns raised by importers regarding refrigerated containers, electrical connection requirements at certain ports, and documentation procedures when unloading containers at regional ports before land transport.

The meeting explored proposals to accelerate inspection and customs clearance procedures and remove logistical obstacles facing importers, ensuring food products reach local markets without interruption. It also highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination with shipping companies to direct Bahrain-bound shipments to the most suitable regional ports, reducing delays and enhancing supply chain stability.

Al Ameen underscored the importance of continuous coordination between government bodies and the private sector to provide accurate and updated information on shipping movements, port congestion levels, and regulatory requirements. This would enable importers and freight agents to select optimal routes and manage transport operations more efficiently and transparently.

He concluded by affirming that the Bahrain Chamber will continue holding coordination meetings with government entities and the private sector to monitor developments, ensure market stability, maintain the availability of food supplies, and strengthen the Kingdom’s food security under all circumstances.