Bahrain and Saudi Arabia’s top business leaders met in Manama yesterday, pledging to deepen economic ties and boost trade volume, which saw a two per cent increase in the last quarter of 2024.
The eighth Bahrain-Saudi Business Council meeting, attended by Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro and Saudi Ambassador Nayef Al Sudairi, focused on aligning economic cooperation with both nations’ ‘Vision 2030’ development plans.
Mr Fakhro emphasised the “unique model of political, economic, and social integration” between the kingdoms, highlighting Bahrain’s improved investment environment and recent market access for Bahraini products in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Ambassador Al Sudairi and Bahrain Chamber chairman Sameer Nass stressed the need to maximise opportunities. Mr Nass noted Saudi Arabia’s continued role as Bahrain’s top trade partner, with trade volume hitting $984 million in Q4 2024. He announced new sub-committees, including one for a Saudi-Bahraini Construction Materials Company, to drive initiatives.
Majed Al Buqami, representing the Saudi side, called for strategic partnerships and diversified trade, while Bahrain Chamber first vice-chairman Khalid Najibi reiterated the strong bilateral ties.
Discussions also covered overcoming trade and investment hurdles, with calls for closer public-private sector coordination to achieve economic integration under their respective national visions.
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