Chinese Ambassador Li Chen urged to review the visa procedures for Bahrainis including the fee, which according to some businessmen is too high.
Chinese envoy who was guest speaker at Bahrain Business Women Society (BBWS) said that China being a strategic partner of Bahrain would continue to work closely to strengthen the bilateral ties.
Chinese Ambassador assured that the embassy would take note of the concerns raised by the members of the BBWS and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry with regard to procedures including the visa fee.
The BBWS meeting was aimed at highlighting the importance of the historic and highly successful visit to China by His Majesty King.
“His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa’s recent historic visit to China further cemented the bilateral relations,” Chinese ambassador told the audience.
Chinese Ambassador Li Chen stressed the crucial importance of the landmark visit in bolstering joint cooperation in all sectors.
He said he was upbeat about the prospects of steadily-growing political, economic, trade, cultural and educational cooperation.
According to updated figures, the volume of trade exchanges between Bahrain and China topped $1.55 billion last year, expecting cooperation to expand further over the coming years. The two countries have also agreed to consolidate their strategic partnership for the sake of their joint interests.
“Bahrain may be a small-sized country but it enjoys unique economic assets”, Chen said, stressing particularly its prime strategic location as pivotal financial and trade gate to the Arabian Gulf region.
He paid tribute to the leadership and Government of Bahrain for their political wisdom and statesmanship, hailing facilities provided for all Arab and foreign communities.
The envoy expects Chinese outward investments to top $500 billion over the coming five years, with imports set to soar to $10 trillion.
Asked about his country’s decision to increase entry visa fees, he cited reciprocal treatment saying that Bahrain did the same.
He affirmed the keenness of Beijing authorities on reducing visa fees, hailing Bahrain’s initiative to levy nominal taxes on Chinese visitors.
BBWS Chairwoman Ahlam Janahi extended thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa for including BBS members in his historic visit to China.