Bahrain pushes approval of Pakistan-GCC free trade pact

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — Bahrain said Thursday it was working to accelerate approval of a proposed free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council as the two countries expanded economic cooperation.

The development followed the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad, according to media sources, reporting that the two sides discussed cooperation across more than 15 fields.

Bahrain currently holds the GCC presidency, and Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said Manama was working to speed up the agreement’s signing or approval. 

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the pact could help increase bilateral imports and exports.

The countries also agreed to establish a joint working group on trade and investment and to convene an energy working group covering oil, gas and minerals. 

Cooperation was also discussed in food security, information technology, law enforcement, media, labor mobility, health, education, culture and sports.

Dar said Pakistan was seeking to increase bilateral trade with Bahrain toward a $1 billion target and urged greater recognition of professional qualifications and mobility for skilled workers.

The ministers also discussed regional tensions, maritime security and Palestine, expressing concern over Israeli settlement expansion and efforts to alter the status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif. Pakistan and Bahrain are also preparing to mark 55 years of diplomatic relations on Oct. 14.