Pakistan, UAE agree to fast-track CEPA talks

Commerce minister, UAE envoy review trade, logistics and investment cooperation

ISLAMABAD:

Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi met Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Tuesday, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepen bilateral economic ties and expedite progress on the Pakistan-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

According to an official statement released on Wednesday, the commerce minister referred to the long-standing political, defence and people-to-people relations between Pakistan and the UAE, describing them as strong and time-tested. He said both countries were keen to translate this relationship into a more balanced and substantive trade and investment partnership that reflects the full potential of bilateral ties.

The minister outlined Pakistan's ongoing economic reforms and reiterated the government's resolve to create a more enabling environment for business and investment. He acknowledged that stabilisation measures had posed short-term challenges for the private sector but said the government remained focused on medium-term growth, export expansion and regional connectivity, particularly through engagement with Gulf countries.

Ambassador Al Zaabi welcomed Pakistan's reform efforts and noted the professionalism of the technical teams involved in the CEPA negotiations. He highlighted Pakistan's market size, human capital and strategic location, and conveyed the UAE's interest in expanding cooperation in areas including trade, logistics, ports, infrastructure, manufacturing and investment facilitation.