Bahrain, China sign visa exemption for diplomatic, special passports

Bahrain and China have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and special passport holders, the official Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The agreement will take effect from October 25 and allow diplomatic and special passport holders a 90-day stay from the date of entry, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The move “reflects the two countries’ desire to consolidate their relations at various levels and shows their permanent efforts to develop political, economic and trade cooperation”, the report added.

The kingdom is currently is working towards attracting more investments from China, according to officials.

Bahrain’s Economic Development Board managing director Simon Galpin confirmed to CNBC that there’s “growing interest” from China’s tech sector in the Gulf state.

“Chinese e-commerce companies recognise that the Middle East and the GCC, in particular, are really good markets,” he told CNBC at the World Economic Forum.

“Bahrain, because its a great transportation hub, is seen as a great place for fulfillment centers so companies that are going to do deliveries into Saudi Arabia can position themselves in Bahrain and make those deliveries over the causeway,” he added.

Also read: UAE citizens can now visit China without a visa