On February 12, during the World Government Summit 2025 (WGS 2025) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son met with Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Both sides welcomed the positive developments in Vietnam-Bahrain relations. Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son congratulated Bahrain on its achievements in national development, which contribute to the realization of the "Economic Vision 2030" strategy.

To further boost ties, the Deputy PM proposed intensifying high-level exchanges, appointing Honorary Consuls to promote political and economic relations in the absence of embassies in both countries, and expediting negotiations for a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders.

He also called on Bahrain to support negotiations between Vietnam and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on a free trade agreement, while incentivizing Bahraini businesses to explore investment opportunities in Vietnam, particularly in energy, the Halal industry, digital transformation, and tourism. He underlined the need for early agreements on economic and trade cooperation to create a favorable legal framework for businesses.

Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa welcomed these proposals, reaffirming Bahrain’s commitment to deepening economic collaboration with Vietnam. He noted Bahrain’s advanced financial and banking sector and pledged support for Vietnam-GCC trade and investment negotiations, offering financial and banking services to facilitate the agreement’s implementation.

The minister also underscored his nation’s efforts to diversify its economy, identifying Vietnam as a key partner. He announced plans to send a delegation from the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) to Vietnam to explore cooperation and investment opportunities, particularly in financial technology and financial solutions for telecommunications and aviation.

Additionally, he agreed to direct Bahrain’s investment funds and relevant agencies to assess Vietnam’s proposals, including support for the development of financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, as well as accelerating negotiations on investment protection and double taxation avoidance agreements.

Plenty of opportunity to boost Vietnam-Bahrain trade ties

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Bahrain hold great potential for enhancing their trade and investment ties if they both take advantage of their opportunities ahead, according to Sheik Daij bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the ASEAN-Bahrain Business Council.