Pakistan-GCC free trade pact nearing completion, says Shehbaz
“Shehbaz Sharif says a Pakistan-GCC FTA is nearly wrapped up and will unlock broader market access.”
Key points
- Shehbaz Sharif says a Pakistan-GCC FTA is nearly wrapped up and will unlock broader market access.
- He invited Bahraini investors to partner in AI, IT and agriculture, and lauded the Pakistani diaspora’s role.
- Follow-up talks set joint teams to map finance and trade cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council is close to conclusion and could be signed soon, framing it as a gateway to deeper commerce and investment with GCC states — particularly Bahrain. Addressing business leaders in Manama, he pitched opportunities in industry, agriculture, IT and fintech, and invited Bahraini partners to form joint ventures.
The premier, who held talks with Bahraini leadership at Al Qudaibiya Palace, praised the contributions of over 100,000 Pakistanis living in the kingdom, noting remittances of roughly $484 million last year. He cast Pakistan’s large youth population as an asset that the government aims to skill in digital fields including AI and cybersecurity.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Bahrain’s finance minister. Both sides agreed to set up joint teams to chart cooperation in finance, banking and commerce. Bahraini officials pointed to emerging prospects in digital infrastructure and data connectivity, areas where Pakistani firms could contribute expertise.
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