A Chinese investment delegation led by the China Overseas Development Agency is in Bahrain for a visit organised by the Economic Development Board (EDB).

The group includes more than 20 business leaders from some of China's top professional services and manufacturing firms, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

During the visit, the delegation will be introduced to Bahrain's investment environment, business registration procedures and industrial policy of the EDB, aimed at strengthening economic co-operation between China and Bahrain.

The delegates will also attend the Bahrain-China Forum tomorrow (April 15), organised by the EDB and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"Enormous opportunities exist for China and the GCC to capitalise on fast growth and our long-standing economic and trade relationship," Transportation Minister and EDB acting chief executive Kamal Ahmed said.

This follows a visit from a Shenzhen City delegation last week, which was also hosted by the EDB.

China is currently the third largest market for Bahraini exports outside of the GCC, and this year marks 25 years of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and China.

Meanwhile, Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference foreign affairs committee chairman Pan Yunhe praised the economic development in Bahrain, saying that it is one of the best economies in the region.

He urged Bahrain to play a role in securing a free trade agreement between China and GCC countries.

The forum's preparatory committee chairman Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said hosting the event reflects the Bahrain's keenness to promote bilateral relations with China.-TradeArabia News Service