Key Points
- UAE remains one of Pakistan’s top export destinations
- Islamabad offers surplus food exports amid Gulf supply concerns
- Hormuz disruption adds urgency to regional economic coordination
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to deepen trade and economic cooperation during a high-level virtual meeting, as both sides look to expand investment and ensure supply chain resilience amid the Middle East conflict.
Officials reviewed bilateral trade, which has grown steadily in recent years to an estimated $9–10 billion annually, with the UAE ranking among Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a key destination for exports including textiles, rice, meat and other food products.
Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, held a productive virtual meeting with Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, to discuss ongoing trade cooperation and regional economic collaboration, according to an official statement.
The meeting was also attended by Rana Ihsaan Afzal, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, and senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce.
During the meeting, both sides emphasised the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE, highlighting the importance of smooth trade facilitation, logistical coordination, and enhanced market access.
The discussion covered key sectors including petroleum products, food, and other high-demand commodities. Both sides agreed to streamline processes for exporters and traders.
Despite operational challenges and ongoing austerity measures in Pakistan, both countries remain committed to maintaining strong trade ties and finding practical solutions to facilitate business, observed Pakistan’s Commerce Minister.
Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to Pakistan. Highlighting the progress made in engagements over the past years, he emphasised the importance of coordination and sequencing to ensure mutual benefits.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular engagement, with their respective teams meeting next week to discuss remaining operational and logistical points and to explore further opportunities for bilateral trade growth.
According to the officials, the meeting reflected a shared determination to strengthen economic collaboration, enhance trade facilitation, and deepen the partnership between Pakistan and the UAE.
The Pakistani side also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and facilitating foreign business, pointing to opportunities in energy, infrastructure, logistics and information technology.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened concern about supply disruptions in the Gulf following the near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global trade and energy shipments.
In this context, Pakistan has recently signalled its readiness to export surplus food and essential commodities to Gulf countries, positioning itself as a reliable supplier in the event of prolonged disruptions to maritime trade routes.
Officials emphasised that Pakistan’s agricultural base and food surplus capacity could help stabilise regional supply chains, particularly for countries heavily reliant on imports routed through Hormuz.
Both sides also stressed the importance of improving logistics connectivity, digital trade frameworks and business-to-business engagement to sustain long-term growth in bilateral commerce.
