Strengthening Trade: Italy, Bahrain Sign Customs Deal

Mahir Haneef

TDT| Manama

A new customs cooperation agreement between Italy and Bahrain has been signed in Manama, marking a significant step in strengthening trade and economic ties.

The Director of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), Roberto Alesse, and Bahrain’s President of Customs, Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, formalised the deal, aiming to enhance trade facilitation and security through advanced control methods and technological innovation. 

The agreement will enable both countries to exchange expertise, improve border controls, and ensure safer and more efficient customs procedures for businesses and citizens alike. 

Economic Prospects 

Italy remains one of Bahrain’s key trading partners in Europe, with Italian companies increasingly exploring opportunities beyond traditional industries. Sectors such as engineering, infrastructure, and shipbuilding have gained traction, offering promising avenues for investment. 

This latest collaboration follows the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Bahrain a few weeks ago, underlining Italy’s commitment to deepening economic engagement in the region. Director Alesse emphasised that the technical and administrative cooperation initiated by this agreement is expected to boost trade and investment flows between the two nations.

Strategic Cooperation 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets out provisions for knowledge-sharing initiatives, staff training programmes, technical visits, and joint seminars. A delegation from Bahrain will visit Italy to observe best practices in customs control, explore cutting-edge chemical laboratories, and witness operational activities at major ports. 

Alesse highlighted that the agreement will modernise customs controls by incorporating artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, ensuring faster and more precise trade facilitation. “I am convinced that this cooperation will significantly enhance efficiency and security in both countries,” he stated. 

Diplomatic Support 

Italian Ambassador to Bahrain Andrea Catalano praised the agreement as a testament to Italy’s administrative and technological excellence in customs operations. He noted that Alesse’s visit marks the first operational follow-up to Meloni’s January 27th visit and represents a crucial milestone in strengthening bilateral economic and commercial relations. 

With this strategic partnership in place, both nations aim to create a seamless and secure trade environment, fostering greater economic cooperation in the years ahead.