Infrastructure, other sectors: Qataris urged to explore opportunities

DOHA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday highlighting Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic indicators and reform measures introduced to facilitate foreign investment, invited the members of Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) to explore opportunities infrastructure, logistics, energy, agriculture, technology and export-oriented manufacturing sectors.

He was talking to a delegation of the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA), led by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman QBA, which called on him during his official visit to Doha.

Welcoming the delegation, the prime minister appreciated the constructive role played by the Qatar Businessmen Association in strengthening economic and commercial linkages between the two countries.

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He underscored that Pakistan attached high importance to private-sector-led engagement as a key pillar of the bilateral partnership.

The PM emphasized the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a one-window platform to ensure transparency, efficiency and timely decision-making for investors.

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani expressed interest in enhancing business-to-business cooperation and exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan.

Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement, including during the upcoming visit of the task force on Pak-Qatar investment to Doha later this month, as well as hosting of business forums, to translate discussions into concrete economic partnerships.

The two sides also agreed to undertake special efforts to facilitate linkages between the businesses and entrepreneurs of both the countries so that business-to-business relations between Pakistan and Qatar could be enhanced.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Pakistan and Qatar to further expand trade and investment ties through strengthened collaboration between their respective private sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign 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.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif 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 was talking to Minister of State of Qatar on Foreign Trade Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed who called on him during his official visit to Doha. Dr. Al-Sayed is also the chairman of Pak-Qatar Joint business task force.

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

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

Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed reiterated Qatar’s interest in expanding economic cooperation and strengthening private-sector and business linkages between two countries.

The two sides also agreed to convene a meeting of the task force, comprising relevant officials of both countries, within the month of Ramazan, 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.

Deputy Prime Minister and foreign 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.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in a call on paid by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs of the State of Qatar Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani here on Tuesday, underscored Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening defence cooperation and expanding bilateral collaboration.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs of the State of Qatar, met the prime minister who is currently on an official visit to Doha.

During the meeting, 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 the ongoing collaboration between the armed forces of the two countries.

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

Regional developments were also discussed, in particular the situation in Iran and Afghanistan. Both sides emphasized the importance of dialogue, de-escalation and collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. The meeting reflected the shared resolve of Pakistan and Qatar to further elevate their strategic partnership across all areas of mutual interest.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign 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.