Bahrain has some of the best quality infrastructure in the world, according to the latest report from an international business network.

The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report for 2013-2014 ranks Bahrain 11th out of the 148 countries surveyed for port infrastructure, 24th for the quality of its roads and 25th for air transport, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The statistics for Bahrain were compiled by the WEF in co-operation with the Economic Development Board, which conducted an online opinion survey to feed into the report.

A Works Ministry spokesman attributed Bahrain's high score, which was 20th in the world overall, to several recent initiatives that have been undertaken to develop the country's infrastructure.

“The ministry has already completed three road projects including the North Manama Causeway, Mina Salman Interchange and the revamp of King Faisal Highway,” he said.

“Two other projects in the pipeline are the Jaber Al Sabah Avenue revamp and the Alba and Nuwaidrat Interchanges which are currently in the tender process.

“Key facilities and projects in Bahrain include Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain Logistics Zone, the Bahrain International Airport modernisation programme, Salman Industrial City project, Bahrain International Investment Park and Bahrain Approach Channel.

“Development projects also underway include the revamp of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Highway from Saudi Arabia until Khalifa Bin Salman Port and Hidd Industrial Area, which aims to provide a non-stop traffic flow that could accommodate traffic volume and the active trade and travel activity in the area.

“And you can add to that Muharraq sewage treatment plant, which serves the industrial area by providing treated water suitable for industrial purposes.”

The WEF report states that extensive and efficient infrastructure is 'critical for ensuring the effective functioning of the economy'.

“It is an important factor in determining the location of economic activity and the kinds of activities or sectors that can develop within a country,” it said.

“Well-developed infrastructure reduces the effect of distance between regions, integrating the national market and connecting it at low cost to markets in other countries and regions.

“In addition, the quality and extensiveness of infrastructure networks significantly impact economic growth and reduce income inequalities and poverty in a variety of ways.”

Hong Kong special administrative region in China was ranked as having the best infrastructure in the world, followed by Singapore and Germany.

The UAE was adjudged to have the best infrastructure in the Middle East, and fifth best in the world, while Qatar ranked 28th globally, Saudi Arabia 31st, Oman 32nd and Kuwait 53rd. - TradeArabia News Service