Pakistan and Bahrain target $1 billion in bilateral trade

Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to target $1 billion in bilateral trade within the next three years. This goal was established during the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held in Islamabad, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

To facilitate this economic growth, the two nations agreed to establish new joint working groups focused on trade, investment, and energy, with the energy group set to discuss oil, gas, and minerals next month. Discussions also covered cooperation in food security, information technology, health, education, and labor mobility. Pakistan specifically sought recognition for its professional qualifications to benefit the more than 140,000 Pakistani citizens currently living in Bahrain.

A major diplomatic priority is the finalization of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. Bahrain, holding the current GCC presidency, committed to accelerating the approval process.

Beyond economic ties, the ministers addressed regional security, calling for safe and uninterrupted maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb to protect global energy and food supply chains. The meeting also touched upon regional developments in South Asia and the Middle East.