Aik News - 27 November 2025
Pakistan nears GCC free trade agreement, eyes boost in Bahrain trade
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced that the Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement (GCC FTA) is “nearly finalised” and is expected to be signed soon, a move that is set to significantly boost Pakistan’s trade with GCC countries, especially Bahrain.
The premier made the remarks while addressing the business community in Manama, following delegation-level talks with Bahraini leadership at Al Qudaibiya Palace.
Highlighting the economic potential of the agreement, PM Sharif said it would open new avenues for investment, market access, and business cooperation. He encouraged Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s industry, agriculture, IT, and fintech sectors.
“This will enhance trade between Pakistan and the GCC countries, particularly with Bahrain,” he said, inviting Bahraini businesses to form strategic partnerships with Pakistani firms.
PM Sharif added, “I address you not just as the Prime Minister of Pakistan but as the CEO of a nation eager to partner with Bahraini entrepreneurs… Whether you are a Bahraini investor exploring Pakistan or a Pakistani entrepreneur contributing to Bahrain’s progress, let this moment be a launching pad for bold and meaningful collaboration.”
Expressing gratitude to King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for their warm hospitality, the premier highlighted the longstanding cultural, religious, and strategic ties between Pakistan and Bahrain. He stressed the importance of converting these strong relations into tangible economic cooperation.
The prime minister also outlined Pakistan’s plans to transform its youth bulge into an economic opportunity through training in IT, AI, vocational, and skill-based programs.
Appreciating Bahrain’s large Pakistani community of over 100,000, PM Sharif noted their contribution to both Bahrain’s growth and Pakistan through remittances worth $484 million last year. “Pakistan’s doors, and my own door, will always remain open to you,” he assured the expatriates.
Bahrain’s Finance Minister, Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, lauded the Pakistani community for its contributions, saying generations of Pakistanis have played a vital role in Bahrain’s development. He noted Pakistan’s financial institutions have been key contributors to Bahrain’s banking sector for over five decades.
The minister also highlighted Bahrain’s ongoing transformation into a hub for innovation, sustainability, and technology, emphasizing opportunities for Pakistani firms in software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and next-generation digital services. Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and Vision 2050 plans, he added, present a shared economic future with Pakistan.
In a related development, Pakistan and Bahrain agreed to establish joint teams of officials to develop a roadmap for future collaboration in finance, banking, commerce, and economic sectors.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Bahrain’s Finance Minister to discuss enhanced cooperation in the financial sector. The discussions focused on sharing Bahraini expertise in Fintech, collaboration between central banks, and strengthening bilateral economic ties.
