Qatar keen on boosting rice imports from Pakistan

Pakistan and Qatar have discussed enhancing cooperation in food security, with Doha expressing interest in increasing rice imports from Pakistan as the two countries look to deepen trade ties and strengthen coordination on essential food supplies.

The development came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and H.E. Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs of the State of Qatar, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, food security coordination and investment opportunities between the two brotherly countries.

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan–Qatar relations and agreed to expand economic engagement and cooperation between the two countries.

The Qatari minister emphasised the importance of encouraging greater interaction between the business communities of both countries.

A key focus of the discussion was enhancing Pakistan’s exports of rice and other food products to Qatar.

Mohammed Al-Sayed highlighted that rice remains an important component of Qatar’s food security program and national food strategy, and expressed interest in increasing imports from Pakistan.

Jam Kamal assured that Pakistan is taking steps to ensure its exporters remain competitive and responsive to the needs of the Qatari market, adding that new mechanisms are being introduced to facilitate improved pricing and supply arrangements.

Both sides agreed that relevant departments and officials will coordinate closely to facilitate direct engagement between Pakistani exporters and Qatari importers.

In addition to food supply cooperation, the two sides discussed investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in infrastructure, logistics and energy sectors.

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Projects such as Karachi port expansion and other strategic initiatives were highlighted as potential areas for collaboration. The Qatari side welcomed the proposals and indicated that relevant authorities, including the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), would review them.

During the discussion, Jam Kamal also expressed Pakistan’s concern over the evolving regional situation and conveyed solidarity with the leadership and people of Qatar.

He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also expressed serious concern over the situation in the region and emphasised the importance of maintaining stability, dialogue and peaceful resolution of issues.

Jam Kamal noted that Pakistan supports all diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and regional peace, adding that the prime minister has been actively engaging with regional partners and friendly countries to encourage constructive dialogue and stability.

Jam Kamal reiterated that Pakistan stands ready to support its brotherly country Qatar, particularly in strengthening food supply chains and key commodities during challenging circumstances.

Both ministers also agreed to activate the Pakistan–Qatar Joint Task Force to accelerate progress on economic cooperation and investment initiatives.

It was decided that the task force will soon hold a virtual meeting to review proposals, strengthen coordination and facilitate greater private sector participation.