Pakistan, Bahrain Agree on Trade Group, Push for GCC Free Trade Deal
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to establish a joint working group on trade and investment while strengthening efforts to finalise a free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The understanding was reached during the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad on Thursday, October 8, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
The two countries signed an agreed protocol covering more than 15 areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, energy, agriculture, information technology, education and labour mobility.
Speaking at a joint news conference, Al Zayani announced plans to establish a dedicated working group on trade and investment to improve coordination and identify new economic opportunities.
He also confirmed that a joint working group on energy would meet next month to discuss cooperation in oil, gas and minerals.
Both countries expressed their intention to double bilateral trade over the next three years, with Pakistan highlighting its broader ambition to increase annual trade with Bahrain to $1 billion.
Bahrain also committed to using its presidency of the GCC to help advance the proposed free trade agreement with Pakistan.
However, the agreement has not yet been finalised or signed, and further negotiations and approval processes remain necessary.
The ministers discussed expanding cooperation in food security, industrial development, logistics, maritime affairs, skills training, healthcare and technology.
Dar emphasised the importance of stronger business-to-business engagement and greater opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers in Bahrain.
The meeting also addressed regional security developments, including tensions involving Iran and the United States.
Both ministers supported diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and stressed the importance of maintaining safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.
Bahrain condemned recent attacks on Saudi Arabian airports and civilian facilities, while Pakistan reiterated its commitment to regional stability through dialogue.
The two sides also exchanged views on Afghanistan, the Indus Waters Treaty and developments affecting Palestinians.
Pakistan and Bahrain will continue their coordination at international forums, including the United Nations Security Council.
The next session of the Joint Ministerial Commission is scheduled to take place in Bahrain in 2027.
The latest commitments reflect an effort to translate longstanding diplomatic relations into practical economic cooperation, although the success of the initiatives will depend on implementation and progress in trade negotiations.
