ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the UAE Friday signed four significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in areas critical to the development of infrastructure and trade, including customs, rail and airport infrastructure, maritime shipping, and logistics.
The agreements were formalized between various Pakistani ministries—the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Railways, and the Federal Board of Revenue—and Abu Dhabi Ports Group (AD Ports), according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office.
The MoUs aim to foster collaboration between Pakistan and AD Ports in several key areas: improving digital customs controls, developing dedicated freight rail corridors, modernizing Pakistan’s maritime fleet and marine services, and enhancing the country’s international airports.
In a meeting with a UAE investor delegation led by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of these agreements in advancing Pakistan’s infrastructure and boosting trade efficiency.
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“These MoUs will lead to greater operational efficiency and digitalization in customs, expansion of freight rail capacity, modernization of our maritime services, and upgrades to key international airports across Pakistan,” the Prime Minister’s office said.
Sharif emphasized that the UAE’s visit demonstrated a strong commitment to increasing its “investment footprint” in Pakistan, reinforcing the growing economic partnership between the two countries. He also acknowledged the UAE’s critical role in supporting Pakistan’s economy, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, and investment.
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The UAE delegation’s visit comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking to deepen its trade and investment ties with friendly nations. Earlier this year, the UAE pledged $10 billion in investments for key sectors of Pakistan’s economy.
In addition, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia recently signed 27 MoUs worth $2.2 billion, further strengthening Pakistan’s economic partnerships.