Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Thursday that Pakistan’s long-awaited free trade agreement (GCC FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is in its final stages, expressing hope that the pact will be signed soon. The agreement, he said, is expected to significantly expand Pakistan’s trade footprint across GCC states, with Bahrain positioned as a key partner.
Speaking to Bahrain’s business community in Manama, the prime minister said the GCC FTA would create fresh opportunities for investment, market access, and cross-sector economic collaboration. Shehbaz urged Bahraini firms to explore Pakistan’s expanding potential in agriculture, artificial intelligence, information technology, and fintech, stressing that Islamabad is ready to support joint ventures and new partnerships.
Source: Online
“Pakistan Is Open for Business,” PM Tells Bahraini Investors
The premier described himself as the “CEO of a nation eager for partnership,” inviting Bahraini entrepreneurs to tap into Pakistan’s growing sectors and promising full government facilitation. He also praised Bahrain’s leadership for its warm hospitality and credited decades of cultural and strategic ties for strengthening political trust between the two nations.
Shehbaz said Pakistan aims to transform its youth bulge into a national asset through training in AI, IT, and vocational skills. He also lauded the Pakistani diaspora in Bahrain—over 100,000 strong—for contributing to the kingdom’s development and sending back nearly $484 million in remittances last year.
Source: Online
Source: Online.
Bahrain Sees Pakistan as a Partner in Regional Transformation
In his address, Bahrain’s Finance Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa acknowledged the longstanding role Pakistanis have played in the kingdom’s economic progress. He said Pakistan’s banks have been central to Bahrain’s financial sector for more than five decades.
Highlighting Bahrain’s technological advancements, he pointed to expanding subsea digital infrastructure that is positioning the kingdom as a regional hub for data connectivity. This, he noted, offers new openings for Pakistani expertise in cybersecurity, software development, AI, and advanced digital services. Bahrain, he added, envisions Pakistan as a long-term economic partner as it advances Vision 2030 and prepares for Vision 2050.
Pakistan, Bahrain Form Joint Working Teams
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Bahrain’s finance minister to advance discussions held earlier with PM Shehbaz and Bahrain’s Crown Prince. Both sides agreed to establish joint teams to map out future collaboration in finance, commerce, banking, and broader economic sectors.
The Bahraini side also offered to share its progress in fintech with Pakistan’s banking industry, while both ministers discussed deepening cooperation between their central banks.
