CIMC Vehicle Group, a core member of China International Marine Containers Group (CIMC), has announced plans to launch a reefer trailer manufacturing facility in Bahrain.

CIMC is a world leading supplier of logistics and energy equipment.

The new facility, which will create 20 new job opportunities, will serve as an export hub in the Middle East.

Reefer trailers are vehicles used to transport temperature sensitive goods. CIMC is dedicated to supplying high-quality and reliable equipment and services, including containers, vehicles, energy, chemical and food equipment, offshore equipment, logistics service, and airport facilities, said a statement.

As a diversified $8 billion multinational operation group, CIMC has over 300 member enterprises, 60,000 staff, and an extensive sales network that covers more than 100 countries and regions.

The company was supported by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), which attracts international companies to the kingdom, and fully supports their establishment, the statement said.

The EDB identified and targeted CIMC’s business activity portfolio as a requirement for the region as part of its efforts during the China Road Show, undertaken by the EDB in 2014.

The EDB assisted CIMC in investigating Bahrain’s investment climate where they fully supported CIMC throughout their registration and setting-up process, as well as their other business requirements in order to ensure the company’s successful inception.  

Khalid Al Rumaihi, chief executive of the EDB, said: “We are delighted to welcome CIMC to Bahrain and believe their investment is a reflection of Bahrain’s excellent regional transport connections, mature regulatory system, and the strength of its highly-skilled local workforce. As part of the EDB’s ongoing logistics initiative, Bahrain offers global manufacturing companies like CIMC a number of competitive advantages that will serve to benefit their operations in the region.

Teresa Tan, CFO of CIMC Vehicle Group, said: "Bahrain was an easy choice for CIMC to launch its new manufacturing facility. The kingdom has excellent infrastructure, cost competitiveness, a strong connectivity to Saudi Arabia as well as the GCC and the Middle East region. These are essentials for our operations. We believe Bahrain’s highly skilled workforce and open business environment provide us the perfect platform for our next growth phase.”

As part of the Shenzhen - Bahrain Business forum, held yesterday, the EDB signed two MoUs with Galaxy Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Huawei Technologies Bahrain.

The MoU with Galaxy Institute aims to explore opportunities around establishing incubators in Bahrain, joint business forums and promotional activities. It will also include establishing a Galaxy Institute for financial funds in partnership with Bahraini companies to support investments and entrepreneurship in Bahrain and China.

Under the MoU, the EDB and the institute will also exchange ideas on innovation, as well as the legislation and planning around entrepreneurship-related laws and regulations.

The MoU signed with Huawei Technologies Bahrain looks at opportunities to enhance and expand the ICT sector in the kingdom. - TradeArabia News Service