Bahrain today sought greater cooperation in sectors such as housing, power and IT with India and said early conclusion of talks for a free trade agreement between India and GCC would be its priority.
Bahrain is the member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with which India is negotiating a free trade pact. The other members of the council are Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
The free trade agreement remains a priority, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive, Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) Kamal bin Ahmed told reporters here.
The minister is part of the delegation of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Gulf nation, who is on an official visit here.
He said Bahrain considers India as one of its major trading partners and it can serve as a gateway for India to the Gulf region.
"With zero tax system, the Indian companies will have access to the talented pool and skilled people of Bahrain, which will serve as a gateway to the Gulf for India," he added.
The Minister said with Indian companies attaining an international status, those firms can help in creating quality jobs in Bahrain and the move would benefit companies of both the countries.
He said Bahrain is looking forward to strengthen bilateral relations with India in several sectors, including housing, power, banking, healthcare, information and communications technology.
Earlier today, Bahrain inked several MoUs with India to strengthen commercial, agricultural, skill development and industrial relations.
Indian industry body CII signed an MoU to open their first Middle East office in Bahrain. A joint business forum would be created to further develop business cooperation and drive investments from both the sides.
The other MoUs which were signed between the nations include those with Nasscom, Jawaharlal Nehru University, National Skills Development Corporation to exchange learning and practices in training, entrepreneurship and skills development among others.
An MoU was also inked between National Cement Company and Liberty Group besides between Bahrain Business Women's Society and Business Professional Women, India.
Leading Indian companies with offices and facilities in Bahrain include Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, Canara Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda and State Bank of India.
The bilateral trade between the countries stood at USD billion in 2012-13.
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