Pakistan, Abu Dhabi Ports sign four MoUs

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Abu Dhabi Ports Group on Friday signed four memorandums of understandings (MoUs) to enhance collaboration in multiple fields, including rail, airport infrastructure and maritime shipping and logistics.

The MoUs were signed as a high-level delegation of UAE investors led by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a PM Office press release.

The prime minister witnessed the exchange of MoUs relating to the ministries of maritime affairs, aviation, railways and Federal Board of Revenue with the Abu Dhabi (AD) Ports Group.

As per MoUs, Pakistan and AD Ports Group will explore potential collaboration in customs, rail, airport infrastructure and maritime shipping and logistics sectors.

The MoUs are aimed at improving digital customs controls, developing dedicated freight rail corridors, upgrading Pakistan's maritime fleet and marine services, and Pakistan's international airports.

In the meeting with the delegation, the prime minister expressed gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their steadfast support to Pakistan.

The prime minister highlighted the comprehensive economic partnership between the two nations across sectors such as trade, energy, and investment, which had contributed to growth and prosperity in both countries.

Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted that the visit demonstrated the commitment of the UAE government to further enhance its investment footprint in Pakistan.

He underscored that the investments by the UAE would play a crucial role in boosting Pakistan's economy.

The UAE delegation also included Chairman of Kaheel Group Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Managing Director & Group Chief Executive O?cer, Abu Dhabi Ports Group Capt. Mohamed Al Shamisi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi and senior officials of the AD Ports.

The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and senior government officials.

IT exports

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday highlighting the government's efforts to promote the telecommunications sector, reiterated its resolve to meet the target of $25 billion in IT exports in the next three years.

The prime minister, in a meeting with a five-member delegation of VEON Group led by Chairman Augie K Fabela here, said that the government was taking measures to introduce 5G internet service to provide fast and reliable internet connectivity even in remote areas. The 5G services would also help the government realise its vision of Digital Pakistan, he added.

The telecommunication sector had a significant role in promoting a cashless and digital economy, he said and lauded the services of VEON Group's subsidiary Jazz in Pakistan's telecommunications and financial technology sectors.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the government was willing to collaborate with VEON Group in IT, digitisation and artificial intelligence.

The members of the delegation appreciated the government's efforts for economic stability.