The U.S. Embassy’s Discover America Week was marked with a visit from U.S. Ambassador Steven C. Bondy to APM Terminals Bahrain at Khalifa Bin Salman Port, highlighting the strong economic ties between the United States and Bahrain. This visit emphasized the growing economic cooperation between the two nations and their joint commitment to enhancing trade, investment, and global supply chain efficiency. The 20th anniversary of the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, which has quadrupled bilateral trade since its inception in 2004, was also discussed during the visit. Ambassador Bondy’s tour of the port and meetings with senior APM Terminals executives focused on exploring ways to further enhance trade flows and support U.S. companies operating in Bahrain.
Khalifa Bin Salman Port, a key logistics hub in the Middle East, plays a crucial role in facilitating U.S. exports to the region. Its strategic location, combined with APM Terminals’ innovative commercial solutions, ensures the port’s continued contribution to advancing economic collaboration between the United States and Bahrain. U.S. Ambassador Bondy emphasized the importance of the partnership between the two countries anchored by the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), which continues to drive shared prosperity and stability. Discussions at the port highlighted the critical role of trade and investment in fostering economic growth, strengthening supply chains, and creating high-value opportunities for both nations.
The newly established U.S. Trade Zone near Khalifa Bin Salman Port was also a point of discussion during the visit. The trade zone is expected to integrate U.S. companies into Bahrain’s growing economy, boost bilateral trade, and create jobs. Matthew Luckhurst, Managing Director of APM Terminals Bahrain, reiterated the company’s commitment to enabling trade and supporting Bahrain’s economic growth. APM Terminals Bahrain is dedicated to enhancing trade efficiency with world-class services and strengthening trade ties between Bahrain and the U.S., fostering new partnerships that will drive future economic prosperity.
In addition to focusing on trade and economic cooperation, APM Terminals Bahrain outlined its plan to align with Bahrain’s national sustainability goals. The company aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. A $10 million investment in renewable energy, including solar panels, will make Khalifa Bin Salman Port the region’s first fully electric, energy-sufficient seaport by the end of 2024. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s broader decarbonization strategy led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
In conclusion, the visit of U.S. Ambassador Steven C. Bondy to APM Terminals Bahrain at Khalifa Bin Salman Port highlighted the strong economic ties between the United States and Bahrain, emphasizing the growing economic cooperation and commitment to enhancing trade, investment, and global supply chain efficiency. The discussions during the visit emphasized the critical role of trade and investment in fostering economic growth, strengthening supply chains, and creating high-value opportunities for both nations. The partnership between the United States and Bahrain, anchored by the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement and C-SIPA, continues to drive shared prosperity and stability, with a focus on enhancing trade flows, supporting U.S. companies in Bahrain, and further integrating U.S. companies into Bahrain’s growing economy. Moreover, APM Terminals Bahrain’s commitment to enabling trade, supporting Bahrain’s economic growth, and aligning with Bahrain’s national sustainability goals demonstrates a dedication to driving future economic prosperity and contributing to the region’s decarbonization efforts.
