Qatar seeks stronger trade, business ties with Pakistan

Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Pakistan, with a particular focus on enhancing private-sector collaboration and fostering stronger business-to-business ties.

The development came during a high-level meeting between H.E. Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of Qatar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is on an official visit to Doha, on Tuesday, read a PMO statement.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral trade and economic cooperation and expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in Pakistan–Qatar relations.

Al-Sayed, who is also the chairman of the Pak-Qatar Joint Business Task Force, reiterated Qatar’s interest in expanding economic cooperation and strengthening private-sector and business linkages between the two countries.

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz emphasised the importance of enhancing bilateral trade volumes and diversifying Pakistan’s exports to Qatar, particularly in agricultural products, food items and value-added goods.

The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s investment-friendly reforms and the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in facilitating foreign investment.

Both sides discussed follow-up to the 6th Session of the Pakistan–Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing agreed decisions.

The two sides also agreed to convene a meeting of the task force comprising relevant officials of both countries, within the month of Ramadan, to discuss concrete investment proposals for Qatari investment in Pakistan.

“The meeting underscored the shared resolve to further deepen trade, investment and industrial collaboration between Pakistan and Qatar,” read the statement.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi were also present in the meeting.

During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with the Amir of Qatar.

The discussions will focus on enhancing economic cooperation, strengthening energy partnership and promoting people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides are also expected to deliberate on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure development and export of skilled manpower.

The visit underscores the deep-rooted fraternal ties between Pakistan and Qatar and reflects the shared commitment of both leaderships to further strengthen multifaceted cooperation.

Qatar defence minister calls on PM

In a separate engagement, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, called on Prime Minister Shehbaz during his stay in Doha.

According to an official statement, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation in defence and security and reaffirmed the strong and historic ties between Pakistan and Qatar.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over ongoing collaboration between the armed forces of the two countries and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening defence cooperation.

Sheikh Saoud appreciated the professionalism and expertise of the Pakistan Armed Forces and conveyed Qatar’s interest in deepening defence partnership.

Regional developments, particularly the situation in Iran and Afghanistan, also came under discussion. Both sides emphasised the importance of dialogue, de-escalation and collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.