Pakistan, UAE step up trade cooperation

April 3, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and economic collaboration, as senior officials from both sides held a high-level virtual meeting to review ongoing cooperation and explore new opportunities.

Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, engaged in detailed discussions with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on enhancing trade facilitation and improving market access across key sectors, according to APP.

The meeting was attended by senior Pakistani officials, including Rana Ihsaan Afzal, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, and other representatives from the Ministry of Commerce.

Both sides emphasized the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing the need for efficient logistics, smoother trade flows, and stronger institutional coordination to support growing commercial ties.

Discussions centered on critical sectors such as petroleum products, food items, and other high-demand commodities. The two sides agreed on the importance of streamlining procedures to facilitate exporters and traders, ensuring timely and cost-effective movement of goods.

Minister Jam Kamal highlighted Pakistan’s appreciation for the continued support extended by UAE authorities, including assistance from diplomatic missions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as collaboration with private sector stakeholders such as DP World.

He noted that despite ongoing economic challenges and fiscal adjustments, Pakistan remains committed to sustaining strong trade relations and pursuing practical solutions to ease business operations.

On the UAE side, Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening economic engagement with Pakistan, highlighting the progress made in recent years and stressing the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure mutual gains.

Both countries agreed to continue close coordination, with technical teams set to meet in the coming week to address operational and logistical matters and identify further avenues for expanding bilateral trade.

The latest engagement reflects a shared resolve to enhance economic cooperation, boost trade efficiency, and further solidify the Pakistan-UAE partnership in an evolving regional economic landscape.

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