His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s recent state visit to China has been a significant milestone in the longstanding diplomatic relations between Bahrain and China. This visit, which coincides with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, serves to reaffirm their commitment to economic cooperation and mutual prosperity. Basim Al Saie, a member of the Bahrain Chamber’s Bureau, emphasized the importance of China’s global influence and the significance of His Majesty’s visit following the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain.
The potential for prosperity in the Arab region is vast, with abundant resources, strategic location, and a highly skilled human capital. Despite political conflicts such as the Palestinian issue posing challenges to development, there is still room for growth and advancement. Sonia Janahi, a board member of the Bahrain Chamber, expressed pride in the strong economic ties between Bahrain and China, citing a non-oil trade exchange of 2.18 billion US dollars in 2023, with China being Bahrain’s top trade partner.
Janahi highlighted the synergies between Bahrain’s service-based economy and China’s industrial base, pointing out opportunities for collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. She stressed the importance of further enhancing cooperation between the two countries to leverage each other’s strengths and drive economic growth. Nawaf Khalid Al Zayani, another board member, expressed optimism about the increasing business relations between Bahrain and China, noting the eagerness of the Bahraini private sector to exchange information and expertise with Chinese counterparts.
Al Zayani emphasized the importance of fostering strong partnerships and leveraging the respective strengths of Bahrain and China to explore new avenues for cooperation and growth. The growing relationship between the two countries holds immense potential for mutual benefit and advancement in various sectors. The exchange of knowledge, technology, and best practices between Bahrain and China can pave the way for innovative solutions and sustainable development strategies.
In conclusion, His Majesty’s state visit to China has reaffirmed the commitment of Bahrain and China to strengthening their economic cooperation and fostering mutual prosperity. The strong economic ties between the two countries, as evidenced by the significant non-oil trade exchange, underscore the potential for further collaboration and growth. By leveraging each other’s strengths and exploring new areas of cooperation, Bahrain and China can unlock new opportunities and drive innovation in various sectors. The optimistic outlook of key stakeholders further reinforces the potential for a fruitful partnership between the two countries, paving the way for a brighter future built on shared prosperity and mutual respect.
