CHINA is keen to conclude a Free Trade Agreement with the GCC as a part of a strategy aimed to enhance ties with friendly nations in the Middle East region, the Chinese Ambassador, Wu Congyong, said yesterday.
Ambassador Wu told a Press conference that the finance ministers of all the GCC countries were due to meet in China shortly to discuss the China-GCC ties including the FTA, writes Mehmood Rafique.
The ambassador in his maiden media briefing held at his official residence said that Bahrain-China diplomatic relations were based on mutual understanding, respect and identity of views on regional and international issues.
“Mutual respect and understanding has been the hallmark of Bahrain-China relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in late 80’s,” he said.
The Chinese ambassador said high-level contact between the leaderships of two sides and frequent exchange of visits has further strengthened bilateral ties. “Bahrain is a small country but is an important ally of China in this region. China treats every country equally regardless of its size,” the ambassador said, adding that he would work closely with the Bahraini authorities to further bolster relations in all vital areas.
Talking about the upcoming visits, he said the number of visits in the pipeline and the final dates were being worked out. “The Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa’s visit to China has given a new dimension to the existing ties. Both sides have been working to identify the potential areas of co-operation in the social, economic and political sectors.
“China is keen to participate in the economic and financial activities. Bahrain being a financial capital in the region offers a rare opportunity for the Chinese investors and businessmen to forge business alliances with Bahraini companies and individuals. We are also supporting Bahrain in sports and agriculture sectors. Bahrain is well respected in China because of its dominant position in sports which has been witnessed by the world after the Kingdom hosted the first Grand Prix in the Middle East region,” the ambassador explained. “We are working closely with the business societies providing them all possible assistance to bolster economic ties between the two sides.
Referring to the Bank of China’s decision to open its representative office in Manama, he said it was the result of the highly successful visit of the Prime Minister in 2002 paving the way for more closer co-operation in economic, political and social sectors. Similarly, the visit by Shaikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women and wife of the His Majesty the King, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, was another example of fraternal ties between the people of the two countries.
Bahrain and China established diplomatic relations on April 18, 1989. Since then, the friendly relations have become stronger and developed continuously. “Today, Bahrain and China have the same opportunities and face the same challenges in a world of increasing globalisation and regional alliances. The two countries are working to bolster cooperation and exchanges. Bahrain has undertaken political and economic reforms through balanced steps and according to its own reality. Bahrain is diligently engaged in diversifying its economy, improving its human resources, increasing employment opportunities, improving its living standards and preserving domestic stability, which will provide it with successful experiences in all these areas,” the ambassador said.

photo: Ambassador Wu
Last update on: 15-4-2004