Uae Expresses Desire To Expand Investment In Pakistan

The United Arab Emirates has expressed a strong commitment to furthering its investments in Pakistan, with a specific focus on enhancing efficiencies in shipping, ports, logistics, and customs digitization. This interest was conveyed by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, during a high-profile meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today. Dr. Al Zeyoudi led a delegation of UAE investors, underscoring their enthusiasm for exploring growth opportunities within Pakistan’s key infrastructure sectors.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed the delegation, extending his gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their enduring support to Pakistan. He emphasized that the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and the UAE is built on shared cultural and historical bonds, reflecting a deep sense of fraternity and cooperation.

Highlighting the robust economic partnership between the two nations, Prime Minister Sharif noted the UAE’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s growth and prosperity through its investments in trade, energy, and infrastructure. He remarked that this visit signifies the UAE’s commitment to expanding its investment footprint in Pakistan, particularly in areas that would stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and enhance Pakistan’s infrastructure. He stressed that UAE investments would have a transformative impact on Pakistan’s economy, particularly in sectors essential for modernization and development.

In a symbolic gesture, the Prime Minister presided over the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Abu Dhabi Ports Group, covering collaborations with Pakistan’s Ministries of Maritime Affairs, Aviation, Railways, and the Federal Board of Revenue. These agreements pave the way for extensive cooperation, aiming to bolster Pakistan’s logistics and infrastructure capabilities. Specific areas of collaboration include customs digitization, which will strengthen border controls and improve efficiency; development of specialized freight rail corridors to expedite cargo movement; upgrading the maritime fleet and services; and enhancing infrastructure at Pakistan’s major airports.

Under the scope of these MoUs, both countries will work together to bring advanced digital systems to customs processes, streamline logistics operations, and enhance Pakistan’s port capabilities. The development of dedicated freight rail corridors, meanwhile, is expected to boost trade flow efficiency and reduce transit times, providing a valuable addition to Pakistan’s infrastructure.

The UAE delegation was represented by notable dignitaries, including Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Kaheel Group; Capt. Mohamed Al Shamisi, Managing Director and CEO of the Abu Dhabi Ports Group; UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi; and other senior officials from AD Ports. Pakistan’s delegation included key figures such as 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, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and other senior government officials.

This meeting reinforces the shared vision of Pakistan and the UAE to strengthen economic collaboration across vital sectors. The UAE’s expanded investments are anticipated to play a crucial role in supporting Pakistan’s economic development, promoting industrial growth, and advancing infrastructure—underscoring the depth of the Pakistan-UAE partnership.