Canada-Bahrain relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada enjoys positive relations with Bahrain. Canada and Bahrain collaborate on a broad range of issues related to regional security, trade and investment. Defence ties are strong as Canadian Forces personnel are deployed to Bahrain as part of Combined Task Force 150, a multinational coalition based in Bahrain, responsible for naval maritime security and counter-terrorism in the Horn of Africa region. Canada was in command of the Combined Task Force 150 twice from December 2016 to April 2017 and from December 2018 to April 2019.
Canada is represented by the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Bahrain is represented in Canada by the Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Trade relations
Canada's commercial relationship with Bahrain is modest but has increased in the recent past. In 2021, bilateral merchandise trade was $275.8 million, including $217.6 million in exports and $58.2 million in imports. Bahrain is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council and is considered an emerging market with specific opportunities for Canadian companies. Canadian companies doing business in Bahrain typically serve it as a secondary market from offices elsewhere in the Gulf.
Bahrain's economy has grown over the past 10 years due to its liberal economic policies, and the long-term outlook is positive. Key sectors for Bahrain's economy include oil, Islamic banking, retail, automotive, construction, agri-food, telecom, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and freight services.
Looking to the future, the Economic Vision 2030 is a roadmap for making Bahrain a more sustainable, competitive and fair country, with the aim of doubling household income by 2030.
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Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Bahrain work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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