Islamabad: Technical negotiations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) have entered their final phase, raising hopes that this landmark accord will soon be signed. The development came during an important meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and the UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, where both sides discussed expanding bilateral economic cooperation, boosting trade and investment, and promoting joint initiatives at the regional level.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that the CEPA between Pakistan and the UAE would not only add a new dimension to economic relations between the two countries but would also serve as a milestone for the promotion of economic activity across the region. He said that due to the tireless efforts and close coordination of the technical teams from both sides, consensus had been reached on most provisions of the agreement and the process was now close to taking practical shape. According to the minister, Pakistan is fully committed to the timely completion of the CEPA so that the business communities and investors of both countries can benefit from it at the earliest.
Jam Kamal Khan noted that the implementation of the CEPA is expected to bring a significant increase in bilateral trade between Pakistan and the UAE. The agreement will include measures such as tariff reductions, simplification of customs procedures, and enhanced protection for investors, all of which are aimed at making the business environment more facilitative. He added that the current government of Pakistan is undertaking concrete steps to improve the overall business climate through wide-ranging economic reforms, and the positive results of these efforts are now becoming visible.
UAE Ambassador Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, while appreciating Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms, said that these measures were helping restore investor confidence and creating new business opportunities in the country. He acknowledged that in recent years Pakistan has adopted a more positive economic direction by ensuring better financial discipline, increasing exports, and introducing investor-friendly policies. According to him, the United Arab Emirates is keen to further strengthen its economic ties with Pakistan, and the CEPA agreement will play a crucial role in achieving this objective.
During the meeting, both sides agreed that the UAE sees immense potential for investment in Pakistan, particularly in the fields of trade, logistics, ports, and various industrial sectors. UAE investors have shown special interest in energy, infrastructure development, food processing, and information technology. Ambassador Al Zaabi stated that joint ventures in these sectors would not only benefit both countries but would also help create new employment opportunities and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan remarked that relations between Pakistan and the UAE have always been based on mutual respect, trust, and deep-rooted friendship. He recalled that the UAE is among Pakistan’s most important trading and investment partners, and the presence of millions of Pakistanis in the Emirates has further strengthened this bond. He said that the CEPA agreement would place these historic relations within a new economic framework, opening up broader avenues for cooperation in the future.
The two leaders also discussed the possibility of expanding cooperation beyond bilateral ties to include joint economic initiatives in regions such as Central Asia and Africa. They exchanged views on opportunities for trilateral cooperation in third countries, under which Pakistan and the UAE could combine their expertise and resources to promote regional trade and investment. In this regard, special emphasis was placed on enhancing collaboration in logistics, transportation networks, and port development.
Under the CEPA agreement, Pakistani exporters are expected to gain improved access to the UAE market, which will particularly benefit industries such as textiles, leather goods, agricultural products, and halal food. At the same time, UAE companies will be able to expand their footprint in Pakistan through increased investment. Economic experts believe that this agreement has the potential to multiply the volume of trade between the two countries over the next few years.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan reiterated that the promotion of exports remains a key pillar of Pakistan’s economic policy, which is why the government is actively pursuing trade agreements at the global level to secure access to new markets. He stressed that agreements like CEPA are vital for Pakistan’s economy, as they not only help increase exports but also attract foreign direct investment, which is essential for long-term economic stability.
The UAE ambassador also highlighted that closer cooperation between the two countries would not only accelerate economic growth but would also contribute to regional peace and stability. He said that trade and investment act as bridges between nations, strengthening relationships on lasting foundations and fostering mutual understanding.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their resolve to finalize the CEPA agreement as soon as possible so that its benefits can reach the people and business communities of both countries. Analysts believe that this comprehensive economic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE could serve as a model for future cooperation, giving a fresh impetus to economic activity not only in the two countries but across the wider region as well.
