Pakistan and Bahrain have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade and economic cooperation, with both sides agreeing to strengthen collaboration across several key sectors.
The commitment was made during the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Islamabad, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
Dar said Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy longstanding and close relations and expressed confidence that bilateral economic cooperation would reach new heights. He also stressed the need to turn political and fraternal ties into practical economic benefits for people in both countries.
Pakistan and Bahrain have set a target of increasing bilateral trade to $1 billion by doubling the existing volume within three years. Dar said the two countries needed to maintain momentum and ensure that government-level initiatives were supported by stronger business-to-business engagement.
The Bahraini foreign minister said the JMC covered more than 15 areas of cooperation. Both sides agreed to establish a joint working group on trade and investment. They also decided to convene a separate working group on energy next month to discuss cooperation in oil, gas and minerals.
The two countries also agreed to enhance cooperation in food security, agriculture, information technology, healthcare, education, culture, sports, labour, media and law enforcement.
Al Zayani said Pakistan and Bahrain would also work toward completing the proposed free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Dar said the agreement could significantly support trade and help increase imports and exports between Pakistan and Gulf markets.
Both sides also discussed improving labour mobility. Dar called for greater recognition of academic degrees and professional qualifications to facilitate the movement of skilled workers between the two countries.
The Bahraini minister highlighted the contribution of more than 140,000 Pakistanis living and working in Bahrain, describing them as an important link between the two nations.
The ministers also discussed strengthening connectivity and people-to-people contacts. They exchanged views on regional and international developments and agreed that dialogue and diplomacy remained important tools for addressing disputes.
Dar also raised concerns over India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as a violation of international law and warning of its potential impact on Pakistan’s water, food and energy security.
Pakistan and Bahrain established the Joint Ministerial Commission in 2014. The previous session was held in Manama in 2021, after which both countries signed an agreement aimed at promoting business ties.
