MANAMA: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday presented Pakistan as a strategic economic gateway connecting South Asia, Central Asia, China and the Middle East, saying this natural geographic advantage, combined with Bahrain’s financial expertise and strong regulatory framework, could unlock a new phase of mutually beneficial investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Addressing a reception at the headquarters of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB), the president underscored Pakistan’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation, investment partnerships and institutional linkages with Bahrain. He said Pakistan was actively pursuing economic stability, digital modernisation and investment-led growth, supported by ongoing structural reforms aimed at creating a predictable and investor-friendly environment.
Highlighting the role of the EDB, President Zardari noted that the board played a central part in shaping Bahrain’s economic strategy, attracting foreign investment and supporting diversification across key sectors. He observed that the EDB’s close coordination with government institutions and the private sector had strengthened Bahrain’s competitiveness, promoted innovation and helped create an enabling climate for investors.
The president said the EDB’s model of policy coherence and investor facilitation offered a valuable reference point for countries seeking sustainable and inclusive growth. He added that Pakistan followed Bahrain’s development journey with “admiration” and saw strong complementarities between the two economies, particularly in areas where Pakistan’s market size and connectivity could align with Bahrain’s financial services strength.
Outlining Pakistan’s economic priorities, President Zardari pointed to the Special Investment Facilitation Council as a streamlined platform designed to facilitate and protect foreign investment. He said priority sectors for investment included agriculture, information technology, energy, minerals, logistics and tourism, while identifying agriculture and food security, IT and digital services, renewable energy and logistics as especially promising areas for Pakistan-Bahrain collaboration.
While focusing on economic opportunities, the president also referred to regional security challenges and their impact on development. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to counter extremism, strengthen internal security and pursue peaceful relations with its neighbours, while safeguarding national interests and ensuring the protection of foreign investments.
During the visit, President Zardari met Bahrain’s Interior Minister Lt Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa in Manama, where both sides pledged closer cooperation in the fields of security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. The meeting reaffirmed the strength of bilateral ties and the shared commitment to addressing regional and transnational security challenges.
Earlier, the president met Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the royal residence, Al-Qudaibiya Palace, and conveyed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended during the visit. He also thanked the Bahraini leadership for the conferment of the Sheikh Issa Award, describing it as a gesture reflecting the depth of mutual respect and longstanding friendship between the two countries. He is also scheduled to hold talks with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
According to the Foreign Office, the four-day visit is aimed at reinforcing Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the brotherly Gulf nation while expanding collaboration in trade and economic partnership, defence and security, and people-to-people exchanges.
The visit builds on recent high-level engagements, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Bahrain last November, during which he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties and expanding trade and investment, particularly in the context of a future Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
Bahrain’s interior minister’s visit to Pakistan in September and the growing frequency of bilateral exchanges underline both sides’ intent to broaden cooperation across economic and security domains, as Pakistan seeks to position itself as a regional hub for trade, connectivity and investment.
