nogaholding, the investment and business development arm of National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA), and Schmidt Heilbronn today inaugurated its new joint venture facility, Schmidt Logistics Bahrain.

The $ 20 million facility will directly and indirectly create around 100 jobs in the logistics sector. It is located in the Bahrain Logistics Zone and will support the zone’s expanding operations, particularly in the chemical and petrochemical logistics market.

Schmidt Logistics Bahrain was opened by Shaikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, The Minister of Oil and Chairman of nogaholding, and Thomas Schmidt, CEO and Managing Partner of Schmidt Group. The event was attended by high dignitaries and officials including Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications; Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB); Dr. Mohammed bin Dainah, CEO of the Supreme Council for Environment; Dr. Dafer Al Jalahma, Chief Executive at nogaholding and Chairman of Schmidt Logistics Bahrain; and Bassam Al Khaja, General Manager of Schmidt Logistics Bahrain among other officials and dignitaries.

Shaikh Mohamed said: "We would like to congratulate Schmidt on the launch of our new joint venture facility here in Bahrain, where there is great demand for its highly-specialised services".
Al Jalahma, Chief Executive at nogaholding and Chairman of Schmidt Logistics Bahrain said: "Our new facility will have a significant positive impact on the regional chemical and petrochemical industries and facilitate quicker and easier transportation of goods around the GCC. Through our partnership with Schmidt we are proud to have supported the establishment of this facility, and will continue to provide support for its operations in the future."

Schmidt said: "This new development is a reflection of the huge growth we see in the regional logistics industry. It also represents the confidence we have in Bahrain as one of our key strategic operational bases in the Gulf region. We originally chose to locate a significant proportion of our services in Bahrain because of the strong transportation links with neighbouring countries, excellent logistics infrastructure and supportive regulations."
"We are now in a position to be able to capitalise further on these competitive advantages and expand our regional offering."

Joint efforts from nogaholding, the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, Bahrain EDB, Supreme Council for the Environment and Customs Affairs have led to the establishment of Schmidt Logistics Bahrain. Al Rumaihi commented at the event: "The manufacturing and logistics sector is one of the strongest in the Kingdom and Bahrain attracted more than USD 200 million of investment into this sector in the first half of the year - investments that will create more than 1,000 jobs over the next three years. Joint investments such as Schmidt Logistics Bahrain enable the growth of this world-class industry and attract companies with specialised expertise and operational skills to Bahrain to support the supply chain, creating high-quality employment opportunities for the local market."

The Bahrain Logistics Zone offers competitive set up and operational rates, specialised services for import/export and re-export activities, efficient turnaround times and close proximity to transportation hubs such as the Khalifa Bin Salman Port and Bahrain International Airport. Strategically located in the heart of the Gulf, Bahrain offers international logistics companies an ideal base from which to launch their regional operations.

Source: BNA