UAE seeks to expand investment in Pakistan

Both countries signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on cooperation across several sectors.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed a strong interest in expanding its investments in Pakistan, specifically in shipping, port efficiency, logistics, and customs digitisation.

The two countries signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on cooperation across several sectors. These MoUs, signed with the Abu Dhabi Ports Group, cover partnerships with Pakistan's Ministries of Maritime Affairs, Aviation, Railways, and the Federal Board of Revenue.

This was announced during a high-profile meeting in Islamabad on Friday, where UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, led a delegation of UAE investors to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The agreements aim to explore opportunities in customs modernisation, freight rail corridors, maritime shipping, and airport infrastructure.

Specifically, the partnerships target improvements in digital customs controls, the development of dedicated freight rail lines, and the enhancement of Pakistan's maritime fleet and international airport services.

The PM welcomed the delegation, extending his appreciation to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their continued support of Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan and the UAE share a deep, fraternal bond rooted in common history and cultural values.

Highlighting the existing economic partnership between the two nations, PM Shehbaz pointed to the collaborative progress made in trade, energy, and investment, which he said has driven growth and prosperity for both countries.

"The UAE's commitment to increasing its investment footprint in Pakistan is a testament to the strength of our bilateral relations," he noted, underscoring the potential for UAE investments to contribute significantly to Pakistan's economic stability.

The UAE delegation included Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Kaheel Group; Capt. Mohamed Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group; UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi; and senior officials from AD Ports.

On the Pakistani side, key attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and other senior government officials.