Islamabad (TDI): Jam Kamal Khan, Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce, held a virtual meeting with Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi – the trade minister of the United Arab Emirates, to discuss trade facilitation, regional collaboration, and sector-specific opportunities.
The meeting brought together senior officials from both sides, including Rana Ihsaan Afzal and Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul, underscoring the importance both governments place on maintaining momentum in bilateral trade relations.
Officials emphasized the long-standing partnership between the two countries, which has grown steadily over decades through trade, investment, and diaspora linkages.
Both ministers highlighted the need for smoother trade facilitation, improved logistical coordination, and enhanced market access to support exporters and businesses on both sides.
Key sectors discussed during the meeting included petroleum products, food items, and other high-demand commodities.
The ministers agreed on the need to streamline export and import processes, reduce bottlenecks, and ensure efficient supply chains, particularly in light of ongoing global economic uncertainties.
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Jam Kamal Khan expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for the UAE’s continued support, including assistance from diplomatic missions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
He also acknowledged the role of private sector stakeholders such as DP World in facilitating trade and logistics. Despite domestic economic challenges and austerity measures, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to sustaining and expanding trade ties with the Gulf nation.
Al Zeyoudi, in turn, reiterated the UAE’s commitment to deepening its economic partnership with Pakistan. He noted that bilateral engagements in recent years have yielded tangible progress and stressed the importance of careful coordination and sequencing of initiatives to maximize mutual benefits.
The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners in the Middle East, serving as a major destination for Pakistani exports and a key source of imports and investment.
Recent efforts by both governments have focused on diversifying trade portfolios and improving institutional mechanisms for cooperation.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular engagement, with technical teams scheduled to meet in the coming week to resolve outstanding operational and logistical issues. The discussions are also expected to explore new avenues for expanding bilateral trade and investment.
