Pakistan, UAE review steps to expand trade

Efforts to raise bilateral trade and deepen cooperation in key sectors were reviewed on Tuesday as Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates carried forward discussions held earlier this month.

The engagement took place at Sheikh Zayed Palace in Rahim Yar Khan and followed talks in Islamabad on December 26 during the UAE President’s first official visit to Pakistan.

Both sides focused on moving relations toward a more structured economic partnership, according to the press release. 

Cooperation in information technology, energy, mining and minerals, and defence was discussed, alongside the need to achieve a significant increase in bilateral trade to reach desired levels.

The role of the Pakistani community in the UAE was also highlighted, with around 2.1 million Pakistanis residing there and contributing to ties between the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials were present.

The engagement concluded a year of extensive leadership-level interactions between Pakistan and the UAE.