Pakistan, Qatar explore new avenues for trade, investment cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Qatar have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties, exploring new avenues for trade and investment, and expanding cooperation across key sectors, including agriculture, food security, manufacturing, information technology, maritime transport and infrastructure. The commitment was expressed during the second meeting of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Task Force (JTF) on Trade and Investment, co-chaired by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed in Doha. The meeting reviewed progress in bilateral economic cooperation since the inaugural session in April 2026 and explored practical measures to enhance trade, facilitate investment and develop industrial partnerships between the two countries.

According to a press release issued here on Sunday, representatives of relevant Pakistani ministries participated virtually, while the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which serves as the secretariat of the Joint Task Force, coordinated the proceedings from Pakistan. Doha’s investment sought in modern agriculture, grain storage facilities and advanced farming technologies GCC Free Trade Agreement During the discussions, Pakistan emphasised the importance of an early signing of the Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement, seeking Qatar’s continued support in completing the remaining formalities. The Pakistani side informed the meeting that it had completed its domestic approval process and forwarded the approved agreement text to the GCC Secretariat on Dec 31, 2025. The proposed agreement is expected to provide a framework for strengthening trade relations and expanding market access between Pakistan and GCC member…