ISLAMABAD: Presi­de­­nt Asif Ali Zardari, who is on a four-day visit to Bah­­rain, highlighted on Thu­rsday that Pakistan’s strategic geographic connectivity, linking South Asia, Central Asia, China and the Middle East, complemented the Gulf country’s financial expertise and regulatory framework.

He expressed these views while addressing a reception at the headquarters of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB), which is an investment promotion agency, a statement by the Presid­ent’s Office said.

In his address, the president underscored Pakis­tan’s commitment to exp­anding economic cooperation, investment partnerships and institutional lin­­kages with Bahrain, the statement said.

He said that the Eco­no­mic Development Board plays a central role in sha­ping Bahrain’s economic strategy, attracting forei­­gn investment and suppor­ting diversification across key sectors.

The president further observed that the board’s close coordination with government institutions and the private sector had 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 followed 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 was 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.

Moreover, the president identified agriculture and food security, information technology and digital services, renewable energy and logistics as promising areas for Pakistan-Bahrain collaboration.

The president 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 appreciated Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa — who is also the Gulf country’s prime minister — for the warm hospitality extended during the visit.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2026