Pakistan, Qatar explore trade routes linking Middle East, Türkiye, Europe

Pakistan and Qatar have discussed establishing broader regional trade linkages through the Middle East and Central Asia, potentially connecting Pakistan with Türkiye and European markets, in a move aimed at expanding transit and bilateral trade opportunities.

The development came during a series of bilateral meetings held between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and regional counterparts on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Summit, focusing on trade, connectivity, food security and emerging technologies.

The minister separately met his counterparts from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Qatar, while also holding discussions with the Secretary General of the International Organization for Mediation (IoMed), the statement said.

The engagements focused on expanding bilateral trade, strengthening regional connectivity and developing greater cooperation in emerging economic and technological areas.

During his meeting with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Sayed, both sides exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East and their wider regional and economic implications.

Jam Kamal appreciated Qatar’s resolve and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. Meanwhile, the Qatari Minister acknowledged Pakistan’s significant contribution towards regional peace and highlighted the positive impact of its efforts.

Regional connectivity and the Belt and Road Initiative featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides exploring new avenues for transit and trade through the Middle East and Central Asia.

The two ministers also discussed the potential for connecting Pakistan and Qatar through broader regional trade routes extending through the Middle East towards Türkiye and onward into Europe.

Bilateral trade was also discussed, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to exploring new areas of economic cooperation and expanding existing trade volumes.

The minister also held a meeting with Sri Lanka’s Minister for Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, where both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including expansion and greater utilisation of Pakistan’s first-ever Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The two ministers emphasised the importance of enhanced business-to-business and people-to-people exchanges and explored opportunities for closer cooperation in connectivity and infrastructure.

The Sri Lankan Minister highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence and cyber security.

Jam Kamal pointed to the increasing role of digitalisation in economic development and said developing countries should explore emerging technologies while simultaneously building their capacity to address associated challenges.

The two sides also discussed food security, particularly its impact on poorer and developing nations, as well as the implications of tensions in the Middle East for the global economy and international trade.

Jam Kamal thanked Sri Lanka for its support in the reclassification of Pakistani kinnow for improved market access.

The Sri Lankan minister, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s cooperation regarding Sri Lankan pineapples, avocados and king coconut.

Both sides also explored avenues for greater cooperation in regional connectivity and infrastructure development.

In a separate meeting with Bangladesh’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, Textile and Jute, Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Bangladeshi side appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to regional solidarity and peace and acknowledged its role in efforts aimed at resolving regional tensions.

Recalling his recent visit to Bangladesh, Jam Kamal highlighted the considerable scope for stronger cooperation, greater economic exchanges and closer ties between the two countries.

Jam referred to Pakistan’s rice exports to Bangladesh as an encouraging example of expanding bilateral trade and said there was significant potential to diversify trade into other areas, including textiles.

The Bangladeshi minister expressed interest in exploring avenues for sharing expertise and experiences in developing industries and promoting greater industrial cooperation between the two countries.

The ministers agreed that the Belt and Road Initiative and stronger regional connectivity could play an important role in shaping the economic future of the region and creating new opportunities for trade and development.

The commerce minister also met Teresa Chan, Secretary General of the International Organization for Mediation (IoMed).

Chan briefed Jam Kamal on the organisation, established in 2025, and highlighted Pakistan’s role as a contracting and founding member and its important contribution to the organisation.

The meeting discussed the growing role of mediation in resolving disputes involving governments and private organisations, with IoMed poised to contribute towards peaceful and institutional dispute resolution.