On the sidelines of the meetings of the Industrial and Commercial Cooperation Committees of the GCC in Salalah, H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, met with H.E. Mr. Nigel Huddleston, Minister of State for Trade and Business in the United Kingdom, in the presence of a number of senior officials from both sides.

During the meeting, the Minister affirmed the UK's position as a major investment partner, pointing out the steady growth of economic and trade relations, which reflects the depth the historical relations that tie both countries, in order to achieve common and ambitious visions.

The meeting also discussed a number of issues of common interest and ways to develop and increase the volume of upcoming bilateral investments, where the Minister affirmed Bahrain's keenness to enhance aspects of cooperation with the UK in all fields, especially in trade and commerce. Noting the role the private sector in both countries can play to contribute to achieving common goals.

His Excellency also praised the positive outcomes since the announcement of the free trade agreement between the GCC and the UK in 2021, which marked a strategic step towards enhancing relations between the two parties.​