Malaysia and Bahrain have a long history of deep and abiding multi-lateral ties. Four major agreements form the framework for both countries to expand cooperation in all fields, including trade and investments beginning in 1975.   Besides these basic parameters the two nations also share a common sense of purpose on mutually beneficial matters like medicine, education, trade and have made their presence felt on issues regarding the environment, the need for green lungs, limits on pollution levels and human rights.
These new global issues are founded on a thriving trade that covers basics like furniture, laminates, textiles, cereals and wood for Bahrain with Malaysia seeking aluminium, iron ore and petroleum products.
For over a decade it has been recommended and encouraged for businessmen from both nations to meet and share ideas and concepts fitting the demands of the new century. Malaysian businessmen are encouraged to make future visits to Bahrain to follow up on the potentials identified during this trip. At the same time, Bahraini businessmen should also visit Malaysia regularly to obtain first-hand insights on the business environment in Malaysia and to nurture business contacts already established.
Two major areas that have been mentioned as reflected exponential growth are medical treatment and tourism. These need to be intensified even further and given a boost by the authorities and by financial and commercial organizations and associations. The need to exploit to the full the keen interest in both countries to expand bilateral trade and economic relations is an imperative and is already gathering momentum.
Economic dictates indicate that both sides are keen to explore the opportunities for expanding the range of products and services that Malaysia could offer to Bahrain, and to establish business networking as well as vice versa.
In 2006 the two countries established a watershed in relations when the private sector signed on for a car manufacturing deal offering an indigenous option for transportation.
This is only one of many initiatives envisaged in the co-operative spirit that exists between the two nations. Today Bahrainis form a sizeable percentage of Middle Eastern travelers to Malaysia and the presence of Malaysians in this region is also increasing.
In the light of these positive developments the Tribune is privileged to underscore this special day with a commemorative section on Malaysia Day.
– Bikram Vohra
Last update on: 31-8-2008