Pakistan and Bahrain Aim for $1 Billion Trade as PM Shehbaz Sharif Unveils Investment Push
(Manama, Bahrain): In a significant move to deepen economic integration, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced an ambitious target to boost bilateral trade with Bahrain from approximately $550 million to $1 billion within three years. The announcement came during a high-level meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in Manama.
This bold plan signals a new chapter in Pakistan-Bahrain relations, shifting the focus towards a multi-sectoral economic partnership driven by trade and strategic investment.
Drivers of Growth: GCC FTA and Eased Visa Rules
Prime Minister Sharif attributed the positive momentum to two key catalysts: the near-finalization of the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and recently simplified visa regulations. The FTA is expected to slash tariffs and create a more favorable environment for goods and services, while the streamlined visa process will facilitate easier business travel and people-to-people contacts, directly supporting the new trade goal.
SIFC: The Gateway for Bahraini Investment
To catalyze this growth, Sharif actively invited Bahraini investors to explore Pakistan’s high-potential sectors through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). This single-window platform is designed to fast-track foreign investments. Key sectors highlighted for Bahraini capital include:
Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled services
Mining and Minerals, including precious and base metals
Renewable Energy projects (solar, wind)
Agriculture & Food Security
Tourism and infrastructure development
Strengthening Physical and Digital Connectivity
A cornerstone of the new strategy is enhancing physical connectivity. Sharif proposed strengthening port-to-port links between Pakistan’s strategic deep-sea ports—Karachi and Gwadar—and Bahrain’s Khalifa Bin Salman Port. This logistics upgrade is critical for reducing transit times and costs, making bilateral trade more competitive and efficient.
Beyond Economics: A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
The discussions extended far beyond commerce, reflecting a holistic partnership:
Defense & Security: Both nations agreed to expand cooperation in defense production, joint training, cybersecurity, and intelligence sharing.
Education & Healthcare: Progress was reviewed on the establishment of the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad, a landmark project for human capital development.
Diaspora & Manpower: Sharif acknowledged Bahrain’s support for the 150,000-strong Pakistani diaspora and offered to supply more skilled professionals to support Bahrain’s economy.
Regional Stability: Leaders discussed pressing regional issues, including Gaza, underscoring a shared commitment to peace.
A Symbolic Honor
In a powerful symbol of the strengthened ties, the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, conferred the Order of Bahrain (First Class)—the kingdom’s highest civilian award for a foreign head of state—upon Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The Road to $1 Billion
With the framework of the Pakistan-GCC FTA, a clear investment roadmap via the SIFC, and a renewed commitment to connectivity, the $1 billion trade target appears within reach. This visit has successfully laid the groundwork for a transformed relationship, positioning Pakistan and Bahrain as key economic partners in the region for years to come.
