Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan, Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al
Zaabi, called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan at his office here on Tuesday,
where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral economic ties and
expediting progress on the Pakistan–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
(CEPA).
Jam Kamal Khan underscored the historical, strategic, and people-to-people bonds between
Pakistan and the UAE, describing the relationship as strong and time-tested across political,
defence, and social spheres. He emphasized, however, that both countries are keen to translate
this closeness into a more robust and balanced trade and investment partnership that reflects
the true potential of bilateral relations.
The Commerce Minister highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms and reaffirmed the
government’s resolve to create a more enabling environment for business and investment. He
noted that despite short-term challenges faced by the private sector due to stabilization
measures, the government remains focused on medium-term growth, export expansion, and
regional connectivity, particularly through partnerships with Gulf countries.
Ambassador Al Zaabi appreciated Pakistan’s reform efforts and the professionalism of the
technical teams engaged in CEPA negotiations. He lauded Pakistan’s market size, human
capital, and strategic location, and conveyed the UAE’s strong interest in expanding cooperation
in trade, logistics, ports, infrastructure, manufacturing, and investment facilitation.
Both sides also discussed opportunities for joint ventures, trilateral cooperation in third-country
markets, and enhanced collaboration in emerging regions such as Central Asia and Africa. The
meeting concluded with a shared resolve to maintain close coordination and ensure timely
completion of the CEPA process, paving the way for a new phase of mutually beneficial
economic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE.
