Bahrain, Malaysia seek to expand economic cooperation
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Bahrain are seeking to expand economic relations while exploring new economic potentials in this region.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said this after receiving a courtesy call from Bahrain’s Oil and Gas Affairs Minister Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed AlKhalifa at his office yesterday.
Rahman, who heads the Economic Planning Unit, said they had an hour-long discussion to deliberate matters pertaining to both countries.
“This includes a collaboration in the Islamic finance sector, with special focus to shape its structure and outline regulation standards,” he said yesterday.
In support of Bahrain’s economic diversification efforts, Sheikh Mohamed had also expressed interest to meet Khazanah Nasional Bhd representatives to identify new opportunities in the energy sector, Rahman said.
“Bahrain conveyed keen interest to embrace Petronas, to share knowledge and experiences in the gas distribution sector.”
Rahman also urged Sheikh Mohamed to explore the potential of opening Bahrain’s financial institution in the upcoming Tun Razak Exchange.
“Bahrain, too, could play an integral part as a gateway hub for Malaysia’s small- and mediumscale enterprises to reach a bigger and wider market.
“Sheikh Mohamed will identify and share Bahrain’s new pipeline projects to give Malaysian investors an opportunity to invest, if appropriate,” he said.
Sheikh Mohamed was part of Bahrain’s King Hamad Isa Al Khalifa’s delegation to Malaysia.
King Hamad began his state visit to Malaysia on April 30 and is expected to leave for Brunei today.