Bahrain - 20th February, 2013: His Excellency the Minister of Transportation Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed addressed members and guests of the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) at the business group's monthly luncheon held at the Gulf Hotel on Tuesday (Feb 19th, 2013).

In his address, HE the Minister of Transportation highlighted the Kingdom's modern transportation sector which capitalizes on Bahrain's strategic location in the heart of the Gulf to boost economic development and growth.  H.E also went on to explain the important role of this vital sector in enhancing the bilateral relations between Bahrain and the United Kingdom.

"The Kingdom of Bahrain has long been considered the gateway to the region. This location, combined with the Kingdom's excellent infrastructure and transportation links, have positioned the country as the perfect hub for easy access to the emerging GCC market by land, air and sea," said HE the Minister.

His Excellency went on to clarify that the recent re-structuring of the Ministry of Transportation (MoT) came about to ensure it serves as this lifeline by streamlining the development of Bahrain's transportation systems across air, land and sea.

As per the Royal Decree (70) issued in 2012, the MoT's responsibilities include the development and regulation of Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs, Ports and Maritime Affairs, Land Transportation and Bahrain Post.

The Strategic Plan for the years 2013-2016 has put together the framework by which the Ministry of Transportation will achieve this aspiration.  This is based on five main pillars which includes: enhancing regulation to ensure strong governance, improved safety and security in line with international regulations, developing services to provide our stakeholders with efficient and accessible service at all times, enhancing an integrated and improved infrastructure across all modes of transport, capacity and human resources' building whereby we equip our professionals with the training and qualifications required to do their job better and opening opportunities for increased investment and job creation that aim to contribute positively to the Bahraini economy.

"We are looking at some of the world's best transport structures and models and will be collaborating with our partners in the private and public sector to help us realize our vision for the industry."

His Excellency concluded by stressing the MoT's efforts to improve its communications across all platforms, including digital and social media, which enable the ministry to become a more responsive and accessible organization for its customers.

The BBBF is a growing network of businessmen and women in Bahrain, which now has over 460 members. The Forum aims to promote trade and investment between Bahrain and Britain by offering opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing between the two business communities. People interested in joining the Forum and staying up to date with events can find out more at www.bbbf.org.

About BBBF:
The BBBF was set up in 1995 and has grown from the original 16 members to over 460 members today. It aims to promote trade and investment between Bahrain and Britain in a non-discriminatory, non-political and non-profit making manner. The BBBF is widely recognized in Bahrain and the UK as a leading impartial business sector group. The Forum works to create and sustain a favourable business environment. The BBBF strives to assist and introduce new trade and investment to both countries to benefit and enhance the common economic interests of our member companies.

Media Contacts:
Hassan Al Jundi
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
+973 17533532
hassan.al-jundi@hkstrategies.com

© Press Release 2013