Islamabad (TDI): The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Pakistan, Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, met with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing Pakistan–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and ways to strengthen bilateral economic ties.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the CEPA negotiations. Jam Kamal Khan highlighted the historical, strategic, and people-to-people links between the two countries, describing the relationship as strong and enduring across political, defense, and social domains.
He stressed the need to translate this closeness into a more balanced trade and investment partnership that reflects the full potential of bilateral relations.
The Commerce Minister highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to create a more enabling environment for business and investment.
He noted that despite short-term challenges faced by the private sector due to stabilization measures, the government remains focused on medium-term growth, export expansion, and regional connectivity, particularly through partnerships with Gulf countries.
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Ambassador Al Zaabi appreciated Pakistan’s reform efforts and the professionalism of the technical teams engaged in CEPA negotiations. He lauded Pakistan’s market size, human capital, and strategic location, and conveyed the UAE’s strong interest in expanding cooperation in trade, logistics, ports, infrastructure, manufacturing, and investment facilitation.
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Both sides also discussed opportunities for joint ventures, trilateral cooperation in third-country markets, and enhanced collaboration in emerging regions such as Central Asia and Africa.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to maintain close coordination and ensure timely completion of the CEPA process, paving the way for a new phase of mutually beneficial economic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
