During the recent St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in the Russian Federation, Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, president of Customs in Bahrain, and Tatiana Merkushova, deputy head of the Federal Customs Service of Russia, signed an agreement on mutual administrative cooperation in customs matters between their governments.
Shaikh Ahmed emphasized the importance of the agreement as a strategic initiative to enhance and modernize customs operations. He noted that it aligns with Bahrain Customs’ strategic plan for 2024–2027 and reflects broader international efforts to strengthen cross-border partnerships.
The agreement aims to deepen cooperation between the customs authorities of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Russia through the exchange of information and technical expertise, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported. It seeks to facilitate trade, streamline customs procedures, and enhance border security and anti-smuggling measures, especially given the increasing pressures on global supply chains.
This initiative supports Bahrain’s efforts to strengthen international relations and improve the business and investment climate through knowledge-sharing and more efficient customs operations.
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Growing bilateral trade
Bahrain and Russia maintain strategically significant trade relationship, primarily characterized by agricultural products dominating Russian exports and machinery and equipment being key components of Bahrain’s exports. Although the bilateral trade volume has declined over the past five years, both countries are actively exploring new avenues for economic and investment cooperation, particularly in energy and digital technologies.
In 2023, the total trade volume between Bahrain and Russia reflects Bahrain’s exports to Russia at $1.27 million and Russia’s exports to Bahrain at $8.56 million. The main Bahraini exports to Russia include electric soldering equipment valued at $274,000, motor vehicle parts and accessories at $211,000, and raw plastic sheeting at $140,000. Additional exports consist of machinery, plastics, optical and medical apparatus, base metal tools, rubbers, iron and steel articles, beverages, aircraft, and perfumes.
Also, Russia’s primary exports to Bahrain feature poultry meat at $3.44 million, dried legumes at $2.49 million, and buckwheat at $312,000. Other notable exports include cereals valued at $311,680, miscellaneous edible preparations at $262,740, rubbers at $240,460, and beverages, spirits, and vinegar at $237,970. Additionally, Russia exports glassware, wood products, machinery, and iron and steel articles to Bahrain.
