The General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) reviewed key plans to continue promoting the Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ) to attract potential tenants as it is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2011.

GOP achieved revenues of BD10.133 million ($26.876 million) last year.

At its meeting, the board, chaired by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, ordered to transfer the net surplus of BD6.218 million to the Finance Ministry.

The board was briefed by management on the implementation of GOP's business plans and other developments since its last meeting in January 2011.

The board noted that Almoayed Wilhelmsen Limited is the first tenant to have already begun construction of their warehouse facility at the BLZ.

It also reviewed the progress of GOP's proposal to streamline and restructure the GOP Tariff.

Management reported that discussions with the various stakeholders, including the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, were in progress, focusing on the exact timing of the tariff's introduction in order to take into account all stakeholder concerns and provide adequate advance notice to those affected.

The board requested the management to present an update of the progress at the next meeting so a well-considered and balanced decision can be made.

And it advised the management to expedite the completion of the construction of the proposed new seafarer building at the Khalifa Bin Salman Port and approved the final budget for the project which, among other things, will provide a wide range of services to the international seafarers calling at the port.-TradeArabia News Service