By Hamid Mahmood ISLAMABAD, Mar. 07 (INP-WealthPK): The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project offers tremendous opportunities for Bahraini investors, notably in the energy sector. According to Pakistan's Ambassador to Bahrain Muhammad Ayub, a long-term plan is being developed to turn bilateral ties between Pakistan and Bahrain into strong economic cooperation that would benefit both nations. He also included commerce, investment, food security, energy, tourism, higher education, training, and development as sectors where there are mutually beneficial prospects. According to WealthPK research, the trade between Pakistan and Bahrain in 2019 was $108.44 million which was in favour of Pakistan. The total exports from Pakistan to Bahrain were $70.5 million, while imports from Bahrain totalled $37.96 million. Rice, bovine meat, non-retail pure cotton yarn, and other items are among Pakistan's primary exports to Bahrain. The total amount of commerce in 2020 was $119.93 million. Increased imports from Bahrain to Pakistan resulted in a significant rise in trade volume till November 2021. In comparison to the previous year, trade reached $340.33 million, an increase of $220.40 million (183.77 %) in a single year. The graph depicts the trade between the two nations. [caption id="attachment_64541" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Source: UN Comtrade Database/ WealthPK Research[/caption] A number of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) have been signed between Pakistan and Bahrain to increase bilateral trade. Both nations signed an MoU for promotion of trade and investment opportunities during the second session of the Pak-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission, which was held in Manama in July 2021. The Bahrain Board of Investment (BOI) and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) have agreed to establish a framework for both countries to develop and implement collaborative activities and projects, share knowledge, enhance technical exchanges and assist each other in mutually beneficial areas. China and Bahrain have a long-standing trading partnership. The two countries are eager to become each other’s long-term and dependable strategic partner, and to strengthen mutual trust and friendship. China encourages competitive Chinese firms to invest in Bahrain. Pakistan is a regional economic hub and an energy corridor due to its geostrategic location. Bahrain's position also makes it an attractive gateway for nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Through this gateway, trade can be increased between China, Pakistan, and Arab countries. The Middle East provides China with crude oil and natural gas. These resources are currently largely transported by sea to eastern China, which houses the majority of the country's industrial activity. Oil and natural gas, for example, will be delivered cheaply to Gwadar Port and ultimately to western China via CPEC. The GCC states would be able to enhance their trade with China through CPEC and Bahrain, and some have indicated considerable interest in investing in CPEC-related projects. For China, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Pakistan, it would be a win-win situation. The completion of the CPEC energy projects comes at a time when Pakistan is poised to reap the benefits of third-party investments in the corridor's expansion. Through three-dimensional connectivity, Pakistan and China have agreed to include third-party involvement in the CPEC projects (B2G, B2B, and P2P). They would seek investment from friendly Arab nations in industrial and energy-related projects. The GCC nations' ties with Pakistan will strengthen if they are invited to join CPEC. They will also benefit indirectly from the development of their bilateral trade volume and the strengthening of their economic ties with China. Pakistan's new geo-economic policy must consider how the country may become a more attractive business partner for its Gulf allies. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with which Pakistan is negotiating a free trade agreement, is supporting the expansion of business ties with Pakistan.