The Bahrain-Zhejiang Business Forum takes place in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province on Nov 19. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Bahrain, an island country in the Persian Gulf, sought business exchanges and cooperation in East China's Zhejiang province at a forum in Hangzhou on Nov 19.

The Bahrain-Zhejiang Business Forum, hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board and Zhejiang departments of foreign affairs and commerce, provided a platform for officials and companies from both sides to tap into the potential for further cooperation. 

Hisham bin Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, governor of Bahrain's Capital governorate, spoke highly of Zhejiang's achievements in the sectors of services and advanced technologies at the forum. He hoped the two sides could establish closer partnerships in investment, trade, e-commerce, cutting-edge technologies, tourism and culture for more win-win results.

Zhejiang Jolly Information Technology Co Ltd, a cross-border e-commerce operator based in Hangzhou, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Bahrain Economic Development Board during the event to help the Middle East country transform and advance its digital economy.

Bahrain is located at the heartland of Persian Gulf. With a favorable business climate, well-educated workforce and pleasant living environment, the country is abundant in business opportunities.

In 2017, the value of trade between Bahrain and Zhejiang hit $150 million, a year-on-year increase of 12.5 percent. In the first nine months of 2018, the number was $120 million. The main products exported from Zhejiang to Bahrain include clothes, textile and plastics while the imports are mainly iron ore and metal.