Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended a significant invitation to Bahraini investors to explore diverse economic opportunities in Pakistan during his meeting with the Crown Prince of Bahrain at the Al-Qudaibiya Palace in Manama.
Strengthening Economic Partnerships
The Prime Minister specifically highlighted investment potential in food security, information technology, construction, mines and minerals, healthcare, renewable energy, and tourism sectors. He proposed enhanced port-to-port connectivity between Karachi, Gwadar and Khalifa Bin Salman Port, signaling a new era of maritime cooperation between the two nations.
Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged Bahrain's support for the over 157,000-strong Pakistani community and reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to provide more skilled manpower. The discussion also covered expanded collaboration in higher education, technical training, and digital governance, building on the existing King Hamad University initiative.
Trade Expansion and Regional Cooperation
The Prime Minister highlighted the potential to increase bilateral trade, currently standing at over $550 million, to one billion dollars within three years. This ambitious target is supported by the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, which is at an advanced stage of finalization, along with recently eased visa requirements that are expected to facilitate business exchanges.
Defence and security cooperation formed another crucial aspect of the discussions, with both sides agreeing to further expand collaboration in training, cyber security, defence production, and information sharing. The leaders also discussed recent developments in Gaza, agreeing that the establishment of peace and stability was long overdue for the people who have suffered for decades.
Diplomatic Achievements and Future Prospects
Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated Bahrain on its successful bid for the UN Security Council non-permanent membership for the 2026-2027 term and expressed Pakistan's readiness for close coordination during Bahrain's tenure. The Prime Minister also thanked Bahrain for facilitating the release and repatriation of Pakistani nationals.
The meeting concluded with confidence that the discussions will translate into tangible outcomes and further elevate Pakistan-Bahrain relations across strategic, economic, security and people-to-people domains. Earlier, upon arrival at the palace, the Prime Minister was presented with a guard of honour, and he thanked the Crown Prince for the warm hospitality while commending Bahrain's leadership in strengthening bilateral ties.
