Manama, November 27, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation with Bahrain, particularly in agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence and financial technology.
Addressing members of the Bahraini business community in Manama, the premier said Pakistan sought to transform its longstanding strategic ties with Bahrain into “robust economic partnerships”. PM Shehbaz arrived in the Bahraini capital on Wednesday and held delegation-level talks with the kingdom’s leadership at Al Qudaibiya Palace.
“Pakistan is ready to enhance our economic cooperation with Bahrain in agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and all other areas where our two countries can create real synergy,” he said while addressing King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The prime minister said relations between the two nations were rooted in cultural affinity, religious ties and mutual trust. He described his recent engagements with Bahrain’s leadership as “extremely productive”.
“I am not a visitor here. I have come to meet my family — our Bahraini brothers and sisters,” he remarked, adding that both sides must now translate their warm relations into “tangible economic outcomes”.
Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic advantage, PM Shehbaz said 60 per cent of the country’s population fell between the ages of 15 and 30. He said the government was focused on turning this “youth bulge” into an economic asset by promoting training in IT, AI, vocational skills and entrepreneurship.
“Together with our Bahraini partners and entrepreneurs, we can create strong momentum in these emerging fields,” he added, stressing that “time and tide wait for none”.
The prime minister also lauded the Pakistani community in Bahrain for their contributions to both countries. He noted that Pakistani workers sent home $484 million in remittances during the last financial year.
“You are great ambassadors of Pakistan, and we are proud of your dedication and hard work,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Bahraini leadership for its support of the Pakistani diaspora.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan offered a large consumer market, abundant talent and strategic connectivity to the wider region. Coupled with Bahrain’s financial expertise and global outlook, he said, the opportunities for partnership were “enormous”.
He highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing structural reforms aimed at improving regulatory frameworks, encouraging private-sector growth and opening sectors such as agriculture, IT, minerals, energy and tourism for long-term investment.
The premier also noted that the Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement (GCC FTA) had been “nearly finalised” and was expected to be signed soon, adding that it would significantly enhance trade between Pakistan and GCC states, especially Bahrain.
Encouraging Bahraini businesses to explore Pakistani markets, PM Shehbaz said: “Let this moment be your launching pad for a bold and meaningful collaboration.”
