Pakistan, Qatar ministers agree to enhance economic ties, food security partnership
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held a virtual meeting with Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs of Qatar Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, food security coordination and investment opportunities.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Qatar relations and agreed to further expand economic engagements.
The Qatari minister emphasised the importance of encouraging greater interaction between the business communities of both countries in order to further strengthen economic ties, said a press release issued on Thursday. A key focus of discussion was enhancing Pakistan’s exports of rice and other food products to Qatar.
Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed highlighted that rice remains an important component of Qatar’s food security programme and national food strategy and expressed interest in increasing imports from Pakistan.
Jam Kamal assured the Qatari minister that Pakistan was taking steps to ensure its exporters remain competitive and responsive to the needs of the Qatari market, adding that new mechanisms were being introduced to facilitate improved pricing and supply arrangements.
Both sides agreed that relevant departments and officials would coordinate closely to facilitate direct engagement between Pakistani exporters and Qatari importers. In addition to food supply cooperation, the two sides discussed investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in infrastructure, logistics and energy. Projects such as Karachi Port expansion and other strategic initiatives were highlighted as potential areas for collaboration.
The Qatari side welcomed the proposals shared by Pakistan and indicated that relevant authorities, including the Qatar Investment Authority, would review them.
