Pakistan, Bahrain agree to expand trade, investment cooperation, establish joint working groups

Profit by Pakistan Today reported that Pakistan and Bahrain agreed to activate joint working groups, including a new one on trade and investment, after a ministerial meeting in Islamabad on Thursday. The Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission held its third session, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Bahraini counterpart, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Both sides also restated their intent to conclude the GCC-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, with progress to be reviewed at the fourth session next year.

Dar said the two countries will widen cooperation in trade promotion, industrial collaboration, agriculture and food security. Information technology, logistics, maritime affairs and skills development were also cited as areas for expansion. According to the Foreign Office, a protocol was signed at the session, and the working groups will meet regularly to track implementation.

Al Zayani said the agreed minutes span more than 15 areas, among them energy, law enforcement, media and health. A new panel for trade and investment is to be set up, and the existing energy group meets next month to talk about oil, gas and minerals. Labour mobility and skills training also feature in the plan, with the aim of creating chances for skilled Pakistani workers and professionals. The ministers urged restraint and de-escalation in the Gulf, and they also discussed shipping safety in the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb waterways.