'Private sector can help bolster trade with UAE'

Minister celebrates collaborative efforts; asks business leaders to seize opportunities, unlock new avenues

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DUBAI:

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Saturday emphasised the pivotal role of the private sector in strengthening trade and investment ties between Pakistan and the UAE during a luncheon hosted by the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD).

The high-profile gathering brought together over 100 prominent Pakistani businessmen, VIPs, PBC members, and officials from the Pakistan Consulate Dubai. The event served as a platform to explore investment opportunities, enhance exports, and bolster bilateral trade relations.

In his keynote address, the minister congratulated the newly elected PBC board, expressing confidence in its ability to collaborate with the Commercial Wing of the Pakistan Consulate to advance Pakistan-UAE trade relations. He highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations, describing them as rooted in mutual respect, trust, and shared goals.

Acknowledging the contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, the minister commended their role in fostering economic growth. "The private sector is vital in leading and solidifying trade and investment initiatives between Pakistan and the UAE," he remarked, urging business leaders to seize opportunities to enhance bilateral trade and unlock new economic avenues.

The minister outlined the government's achievements despite macroeconomic challenges, including establishing 17 sectoral councils to boost exports, reforming trade bodies like the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and promoting 'Brand Pakistan' globally. Other initiatives included launching sector-specific B2B engagement models, improving regulatory compliance, encouraging export-led growth in agro-based industries, and strengthening the role of Trade & Investment Officers (TIOs).

Kamal also underscored the enhanced performance monitoring of TIOs through a newly developed online portal and dashboard to ensure accountability and continuous improvement in export facilitation and investment promotion. The event concluded with a networking session where participants discussed strategies to further strengthen Pakistan-UAE trade partnerships.