November 7, 2019: The 5th Session of Pakistan-Qatar Joint Commission was held in Doha on 4-5 November 2019. It was co-chaired by Mr Omar Ayub Khan, Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the State of Qatar. The co-chairs also held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Joint Commission.
The Joint Commission undertook a comprehensive review of all the facets of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar. A detailed discussion was held to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of trade, investment and industry, transport, energy, manpower export, education, science & technology, finance, tourism and infrastructure. The two sides decided to aim at a long-term and sustainable partnership on an equal footing to explore new areas of cooperation for encouraging trade and investment relations.
The joint commission urged private sectors from both countries to establish mechanisms aiming at the promotion of bilateral trade. Both sides emphasized the importance of activating the Qatari- Pakistani Joint Business Council. It was agreed to finalize holding the meeting of Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2019.
The joint commission also encouraged establishing trade fairs and exhibitions in both countries with the aim of introducing manufactured goods and products of both countries. The two sides expressed their interest in developing investment cooperation.
The Qatari side welcomed the identification of investment opportunities in various sectors in Pakistan. Besides, discussions were held on enhancing employment opportunities for highly skilled and professional manpower from Pakistan in Qatar. The two sides also discussed cooperation in aviation, culture and tourism.
