Pakistan–GCC Free Trade Agreement Close to Finalisation, Confirms PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that the Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement (GCC FTA) is “almost finalised” and will likely be signed soon. He said the agreement will greatly increase Pakistan’s trade with Gulf countries, especially Bahrain.

He shared these comments while speaking to the business community in Manama. The prime minister arrived in the Bahraini capital a day earlier and held delegation-level talks with the country’s leadership at Al Qudaibiya Palace.

Addressing the event, PM Shehbaz said the FTA would create new opportunities for trade, investment, and market access. He encouraged Bahraini investors to look into Pakistan’s industry, agriculture, IT, and fintech sectors.

“This will increase trade between Pakistan and GCC countries, especially Bahrain,” he said, inviting Bahraini businesses to partner with Pakistani companies.

He added, “I speak to you not only as Pakistan’s prime minister but also as the CEO of a country ready to work with Bahraini entrepreneurs. We are here to support joint ventures, investment plans and build a mutually beneficial future. Whether you are a Bahraini investor interested in Pakistan or a Pakistani entrepreneur helping Bahrain progress, let this be the start of a strong partnership.”

PM Shehbaz thanked Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for their warm welcome. He said Pakistan and Bahrain’s relationship is based on shared culture, religion, respect and trust, and that both countries have enjoyed strategic cooperation for many years.

“Now we must turn these strong ties into strong economic cooperation,” he said. He also promised to turn Pakistan’s large young population into an opportunity by improving training in IT, artificial intelligence, and vocational skills.

The prime minister praised the Pakistani community of more than 100,000 people living in Bahrain for their hard work and contributions. He noted that they sent home $484 million in remittances last year.

He assured them, “Pakistan’s doors — and my own door — will always be open for you.” He also appreciated Bahrain’s leadership for making the country a “beacon” of economic growth, innovation, and people-focused development, which he said inspires Pakistan.

Earlier, Bahrain’s Finance Minister Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa praised the generations of Pakistanis who have contributed to Bahrain’s growth, noting that many consider Bahrain their second home.

He said Pakistani financial institutions have been key contributors to Bahrain’s financial sector for more than 50 years.

The minister said Bahrain is undergoing major transformation as the region becomes a hub of innovation, sustainability and advanced technology, and Bahrain is taking a leading role in this progress.

He added that Bahrain’s strong digital infrastructure — including subsea cables — is turning it into a regional center for data and connectivity. This, he said, creates opportunities for Pakistani companies in software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and other digital services.

He said that as Bahrain moves forward with Vision 2030 and prepares for Vision 2050, it sees Pakistan as a partner in building a shared economic future.

DPM Dar meets Bahrain’s finance minister

Pakistan and Bahrain on Thursday agreed to create joint teams of officials to develop a roadmap for future cooperation in finance, banking, commerce and the economy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Bahrain’s Minister for Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Foreign Office said.

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Deputy Prime Minster/Foreign Minister’s Meeting with the Minister of Finance and National Economy of Bahrain

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 27, 2025

The meeting followed the discussions between PM Shehbaz Sharif and Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Their talks focused mainly on strengthening cooperation in the finance sector.

The Bahraini side said they have made strong progress in fintech and offered to share their expertise with Pakistan’s banking sector.

Both ministers also discussed possible cooperation between the central banks of the two countries.

Read More: PM Shehbaz Sharif Honored With Bahrain’s Highest Award By King Hamad