MANAMA: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to transforming its strong ties with Bahrain into deeper economic cooperation, inviting Bahraini investors to explore new opportunities across multiple sectors. He said Pakistan is entering a new phase of economic reforms driven by private-sector–led growth, with fresh avenues opening in agriculture, IT, minerals, energy and other fields. “We welcome Bahraini investors to come to Pakistan and partner with us. We will provide every possible facilitation for investment, joint ventures and business collaboration,” he said.
Speaking at a ceremony hosted by the Bahraini business community on Thursday, the prime minister said Pakistan offers a skilled workforce, abundant resources, an emerging market, strategic location and a large youth population. He added that a free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council is in its final stages, and once signed, it will take bilateral trade ties to new heights.
The prime minister thanked the leadership and people of Bahrain for their warm hospitality, saying their welcome made him feel as if he had come to his own home. He described Pakistan and Bahrain as brotherly nations with decades-long relations rooted in culture, faith, mutual respect and trust. He noted that Pakistan is now seeking to further expand this longstanding strategic partnership.
Shehbaz Sharif said he conveyed to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister that Pakistan is ready to enhance economic cooperation in agriculture, IT, artificial intelligence, fintech and other sectors. With shared efforts, knowledge and experience, he said, both countries can create strong synergies.
The prime minister explained that his visit aims to advance new economic initiatives and expressed gratitude for Bahrain’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan.
He highlighted that Pakistan’s greatest strength is its youth, with 60 percent of the population aged between 15 and 30. He acknowledged that a large youth population is both a challenge and an opportunity, adding that Pakistan is determined to empower young people with skills in IT, AI, technical trades and other fields. With partnerships involving Bahraini businesses, he said, Pakistan aims to turn this potential into a formidable economic force.
Shehbaz Sharif praised the vibrant Pakistani community in Bahrain, numbering over 100,000, calling them a source of national pride. He said Pakistani expatriates worldwide continue to demonstrate unwavering love for their homeland while contributing to the progress of other countries. He paid tribute to Pakistanis in Bahrain for their services to both nations.
He noted that remittances from Bahrain reached $484 million last year, expressing gratitude to the Bahraini leadership for its generous support to Pakistani workers. The prime minister urged Pakistani expatriates to continue serving as ambassadors for both countries, reaffirming that Pakistan and Bahrain share deep bonds and “our hearts beat together.” He assured them that Pakistan’s doors will always remain open for them.
Shehbaz Sharif praised Bahrain’s model of economic development, financial innovation and people-centric progress under the leadership of King Hamad and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He said Pakistan is impressed by Bahrain’s growth and sees great potential for collaboration between Bahrain’s financial expertise and Pakistan’s vast market, strategic location, resources and growing consumer base.
He emphasized that Pakistan has implemented structural reforms, embraced digital transformation and removed bureaucratic hurdles, opening long-term investment opportunities in agribusiness, IT, minerals, energy and tourism. Inviting Bahrain’s deputy prime minister, finance minister, industry minister, foreign minister and investors to Pakistan, he said Islamabad looks forward to learning from their experience and to revitalizing Pakistani industry and agriculture with their guidance.
The prime minister added that the Pakistan-GCC free trade agreement is nearing completion and is expected to be signed soon, boosting Pakistan’s trade with GCC states, particularly Bahrain. He said he was addressing the gathering not only as Pakistan’s prime minister but also as the CEO of a nation eager to partner with Bahraini businesses and facilitate their investment.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan and Bahrain view their partnership through the same lens, hoping this moment becomes the starting point of bold and meaningful cooperation.
Bahrain’s Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit marks a renewal of bilateral relations. He acknowledged the significant contributions of generations of Pakistanis to Bahrain’s development, noting that many consider Bahrain their second home. He highlighted the longstanding presence of Pakistani banks such as Habib Bank, United Bank and National Bank of Pakistan, which have played a vital role in Bahrain’s financial sector for more than half a century.
He said the Gulf region is undergoing a major transformation, becoming a hub of innovation, sustainability and technological advancement, with Bahrain leading this change. He said Bahrain is creating an environment where creativity, entrepreneurship and bold ideas shape a prosperous future. The country’s modern financial system, skilled workforce and emerging fintech industry, he added, provide a strong platform for Pakistani banks and innovators to expand regionally and globally.
Sheikh Salman said Bahrain is advancing Vision 2030 while laying the foundation for Vision 2050, and sees Pakistan as a key partner in shaping a shared economic future.
