Pakistan seeks Bahraini investment to drive growth in tech, tourism and energy

Pakistan on Thursday urged Bahraini companies to expand investment in agribusiness, minerals, energy, tourism and technology, saying recent regulatory and economic reforms had made the country more attractive to foreign capital.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the pitch during a business event in Manama as part of a two-day visit aimed at deepening economic ties, according to state-run wire service APP.

Sharif said Pakistan was undergoing “structural transformation” driven by pro-investor reforms, digital modernization and a shift toward private-sector-led growth. According to state media, he told Bahraini business leaders that Islamabad had cut red tape, strengthened regulations and opened new sectors to long-term partnerships.

Senior Bahraini officials - including the deputy prime minister and the ministers of foreign affairs, finance, national economy, industry and commerce - attended the event, alongside members of the Pakistani delegation.

Sharif said Bahrain’s financial expertise and Pakistan’s talent, resources and growing consumer market created a “natural synergy” for deeper cooperation. He said Islamabad was ready to expand collaboration in agriculture, IT, artificial intelligence, fintech and other sectors.

He also told attendees that Pakistan expected to conclude a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council soon, which he said would help boost trade flows.

“As the CEO of a nation eager to partner with Bahraini entrepreneurs, I stand ready to support joint ventures and facilitate your investment plans,” Sharif said, urging companies from both countries to pursue new commercial opportunities.

Sharif thanked Bahrain’s leadership for its hospitality and said bilateral ties, rooted in cultural and religious affinity, now needed to be translated into stronger economic cooperation. He said Pakistan planned to turn its youth bulge into an economic asset through training in IT, AI and vocational skills.

More than 100,000 Pakistanis live in Bahrain, sending home about $484 million in remittances last year. Sharif praised the community for its role in both economies and said his government’s doors “will always remain open” to them.

Bahrain’s finance minister, Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, said Pakistanis had contributed to the kingdom’s development for generations, with Pakistani financial institutions playing a key role in Bahrain’s banking sector for over 50 years.

He said Bahrain was undergoing its own transformation as it advances Vision 2030 and prepares for Vision 2050, positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation, sustainability and digital services. He added that Pakistani firms were well placed to benefit from opportunities in fintech, software development, cybersecurity and advanced digital services.

The premier arrived in Bahrain on Wednesday for a two-day official visit focused on trade, investment and regional issues.