President Asif Ali Zardari addressed a reception at the headquarters of the Economic Development Board of the Kingdom of Bahrain, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation, investment partnerships and institutional linkages with Bahrain.
In his remarks, the President expressed appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the warm hospitality extended during the visit. He also conveyed his gratitude to His Majesty for the conferment of the Sheikh Issa Award, describing it as a gesture that reflected the depth of bilateral ties and mutual respect between the two countries. The President noted that the reception reflected the close and enduring friendship between Pakistan and Bahrain.
The President commended the Economic Development Board for its clear strategic vision and institutional strength, observing that Bahrain’s success in positioning itself as an open and investor friendly economy offers valuable lessons in a rapidly evolving global environment.
As Bahrain’s Finance Minister began briefing on economic development, the President interjected with a light remark, gesturing towards the Manama skyline and saying that the progress was visible before him and needed no explanation.
The President noted that the Economic Development Board plays a central role in shaping Bahrain’s economic strategy, attracting foreign investment and supporting diversification across key sectors. He observed that the Board’s close coordination with government institutions and the private sector has helped Bahrain strengthen competitiveness, promote innovation and create a predictable and enabling environment for investors.
President Zardari said the EDB’s model of policy coherence and investor facilitation offers a useful reference point for countries pursuing sustainable and inclusive growth. He noted that Pakistan follows Bahrain’s development journey with admiration and sees strong complementarities between the two economies.
Highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms, the President said the country is pursuing stability, digital modernisation and investment led growth. He pointed to the Special Investment Facilitation Council as a streamlined platform to facilitate investors, with priority sectors including agriculture, information technology, energy, minerals, logistics and tourism.
The President identified agriculture and food security, information technology and digital services, renewable energy and logistics as promising areas for Pakistan Bahrain collaboration. He also emphasised Pakistan’s strategic geographic connectivity linking South Asia, Central Asia, China and the Middle East, which complements Bahrain’s financial expertise and regulatory framework.
While outlining economic opportunities, the President also referred to regional security challenges and their impact on development, reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to counter extremism, strengthen internal security and pursue peaceful relations with its neighbours, while safeguarding national interests.
The President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting investment and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, and thanked the leadership of Bahrain and the Economic Development Board for their role in advancing bilateral economic cooperation.
