His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s state visit to China, coincides with marking 35 years of diplomatic ties between Bahrain and China, reinstating the shared commitment of the two nations to expand economic cooperation and create synergies that will drive mutual prosperity.
Reflecting on the visit, Member of the Bahrain Chamber's Bureau, Basim Al Saie, stated that the visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to China reflects China's prominent political and economic influence on major global affairs, adding that the timing of His Majesty’s visit to China is particularly significant, coming in the wake of the 33rd Arab Summit hosted by Bahrain. Al Saie stressed that through its chairmanship of the Arab Summit, Bahrain seeks to enhance and develop Arab relations with influential powers in the international system, serving the comprehensive interests of the Arab world, with the aim of building understandings that support just Arab causes and a balanced global approach to Arab issues.
He noted that the Arab region's natural resources, strategic location, and human capital could make it one of the world's most prosperous and fastest-growing regions. However, political conflicts, especially the Palestinian issue, have been a major obstacle to the region's development in recent years.
As the current Arab Summit chair, the Kingdom of Bahrain aims to revitalize the economic process and enhance the economies of Arab countries. This will involve addressing the fundamental issues hindering the region's economic, social, and cultural growth.
For her part, board member of the Bahrain Chamber Sonia Janahi expressed pride in the growth of economic ties between Bahrain and China, citing the 2.18 billion US dollars non-oil trade exchange in 2023, and the fact that China is Bahrain’s top trade partner. Janahi attributed the successful partnership between Bahrain and China to the keenness of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who laid the foundation for diplomatic, social, and economic cooperation, leveraging the relation between both countries based on friendship and mutual understanding.
Janahi noted that the distinctive nature of the economies of Bahrain and China presents a valuable opportunity for consolidation and partnership. Bahrain's service-oriented economy complements China's industry-based structure, creating a synergistic relationship where the two countries can capitalize on their respective strengths. Additionally, Janahi highlighted the potential for collaboration in AI and technology, suggesting that these sectors also offer significant opportunities for furthering bilateral cooperation beyond traditional industries.
By the same token, board member Nawaf Khalid Al Zayani , expressed pride and optimism on the growing business relations between Bahrain and China, voicing the keenness of the Bahraini private sector for enhancing the exchange of information, expertise, and best practices between the two countries. He also emphasized the importance of holding joint business functions that connect business leaders from both sides to explore new and promising opportunities for joint ventures and investment projects that can benefit from Bahrain’s competitive advantages as a regional hub for trade and investment.
AE