ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bahrain, agreed to boost trade volume between the two countries. The two sides at the 2nd Pakistan Bahrain Business Opportunities Conference also agreed to hold early talks on free trade agreement.
Both sides agreed to hold next Business Opportunities’ Conference within coming six months with an optimistic view that conference would result in increasing the bilateral trade volume between both the countries.
Pakistan expressed strong resolve to convert the existing cooperation in business in trade partnership in coming days and Bahraini side reciprocated in the same cordial way. In this regard, rice, meat, vegetables and fruits will be exported to Bahrain from Pakistan. The First Pak-Bahrain Business Opportunities’ Conference was held in Manama in September last and a delegation led by Minister for Commerce participated in the said conference. A day earlier, Pakistani and visiting Bahraini delegation agreed to support conclusion of free trade agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
However, on Thursday, while addressing a joint press conference the Commerce Ministers of both countries announced that Pakistan and Bahrain had agreed to increase the present volume of trade between the two countries to its real potential.
Bahrain’s Minister for Commerce and Industry Zayed R Alzayani and Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan said Pakistan and Bahrain decided to increase investment and trade with the help of private sectors.
He said Pakistan will export vegetables, meat and fruit to Bahrain. He said both sides have achieved considerable progress during their meeting on Free Trade Agreement with Gulf Cooperation Council. Both the countries would soon start dialogue for a draft agreement which will pave the way for enhancement of investment and trade.
Earlier, addressing the conference the Minister said that Pakistan was committed to have a robust economic engagement with Bahrain. Two countries already have closer cooperation in different fields. Khurram Dastgir said people of Pakistan have demonstrated unique resilience and strength in facing the challenge of terrorism.
The Minister said the Government is committed to maintain the peace as this is vital for economic progress and development. Khurram Dastgir Khan said enhanced cooperation in trade and commerce will further cement long term brotherly relations between the two countries. He said the two countries have entered a new phase of bilateral relations in trade and commerce. The Minister said time is ripe for foreign investments in Pakistan. He said the landmark project of China Pakistan Economic Corridor will take Pakistan to new heights of progress and prosperity.
