In a significant step towards strengthening economic ties, Ahmed Abdullah bin Hindi, the head of the Bahraini Businessmen's Association, emphasized the robust relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan during a recent meeting with Pakistan's Ambassador to Bahrain, Thaqib Rouf. This meeting was attended by key figures from the Bahraini Businessmen's Association, including Vice-President Abdul Hakim Al-Shamari and Secretary Nabil Ajur.
Bin Hindi highlighted the importance of enhancing trade and investment cooperation between the two nations, particularly in promising economic sectors. He expressed the Association's ambition to attract more Pakistani investments into Bahrain, aiming to boost bilateral trade through joint investment projects and strategic commercial alliances.
"We are keen on opening new investment horizons, especially in sectors such as industry, energy, food, and agriculture," Bin Hindi stated. He noted that Bahrain offers a favorable economic environment with numerous facilities for investors, which could significantly enhance trade between the two countries.
During the meeting, Ambassador Rouf praised the strategic relations between Bahrain and Pakistan. He reiterated his country's commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation, pointing out the potential investment opportunities available, particularly in food security, textiles, and leather products.
Meanwhile, in a parallel development, Ayman Al-Ashri, the head of the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, met with Shokat, the Pakistani Ambassador to Egypt, to explore ways to increase joint trade and investment exchanges. This discussion took place on April 13, 2025, during the ambassador's visit to the Cairo Chamber, accompanied by Commercial Attaché Asad Khan and Secretary Diana El Shaar.
Al-Ashri asserted that the Egyptian-Pakistani relationship is strong, with significant opportunities for growth in trade and investment. He underscored the Egyptian government's support for investors, led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which aims to promote various industries and provide substantial trade opportunities.
"The Egyptian government is making unprecedented efforts to support investment and industry, expanding infrastructure and offering major incentives to attract new investments," Al-Ashri explained. He encouraged Pakistani companies to seize the opportunities available in the Egyptian market and to enhance joint cooperation across all sectors.
Ambassador Shokat expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, which marks his first official engagement since taking office three weeks prior. He acknowledged the importance of Egypt in the region and emphasized Pakistan's commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations with Egypt.
"There are vast opportunities for economic collaboration between our two countries," he remarked, highlighting the need for increased communication between the embassy and the Cairo Chamber to facilitate future cooperation.
Asad Khan, the Commercial Attaché, announced plans for an upcoming meeting on April 16, 2025, in Cairo, aimed at connecting Pakistani and Egyptian businesses. This meeting will provide a platform for bilateral discussions on potential collaborations, and the Cairo Chamber will be invited to participate actively.
Khan also mentioned that Pakistan has established a special body dedicated to enhancing investment and trade, which aims to provide necessary facilitation for businesses looking to enter the market.
Both meetings underscore the growing recognition of the economic potential that exists between Bahrain, Pakistan, and Egypt. With leaders from both nations actively seeking to bolster trade and investment ties, the future looks promising for enhanced economic cooperation.
The Bahraini Businessmen's Association and the Cairo Chamber of Commerce are poised to play pivotal roles in facilitating these initiatives, ensuring that the respective markets can capitalize on the opportunities presented by these strategic partnerships.
