Qatar has expressed interest in investing $3 billion across various sectors in Pakistan, including the Reko Diq project. Furthermore, Qatar has also shown a desire to acquire stakes in three of Pakistan’s airports.
This interest was conveyed during the 6th session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held in Islamabad, which was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani.
The meeting agenda focused on promoting cooperation in sectors including trade, economy, investment, finance, banking, food and agriculture, infrastructure, municipal development, transport, civil aviation, education, energy, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and information and communication.
According to official sources, the meeting agreed to operationalize the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment between the two countries.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan revealed that Qatar is interested in investing $3 billion in Pakistan. It was also decided that a direct contact mechanism would be established between Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Qatar Investment Authority to ensure investment promotion. The preparation of a list of feasible projects for Qatari investors is currently underway.
The session also emphasized enhancing partnerships in the areas of digital cooperation, food security, and logistics to promote bilateral trade.
Both countries agreed to increase Pakistan’s exports of rice, surgical instruments, sports goods, and leather products, while a proposal was put forward to include Pakistani construction materials and machinery in Qatari projects.
The container route from Karachi to Hamad Port, which takes 4 to 6 days, was deemed an effective means for regional trade.
The parties also agreed to expedite progress on the mutual cooperation agreement in Customs matters and to operationalize the Joint Business Council to further strengthen business ties.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan expressed hope that a significant acceleration in the economic partnership between Pakistan and Qatar would be seen in the coming year. He described the talks as fruitful and constructive, asserting that Pakistan is committed to strengthening relations through practical steps rather than just words.
Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, also expressed commitment to further deepening economic ties with Pakistan. He highlighted that trade between the two countries has increased by 150% over the last five years, and Pakistan has now become Qatar’s 10th largest trading partner.
Qatar also announced its support for the early implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Pakistan. Sheikh Faisal said that this agreement would create new opportunities for mutual trade and investment and expand business prospects for the private sector.
He stated that the joint vision of Pakistan and Qatar would ensure sustainable development and prosperity. According to him, the Joint Ministerial Commission is promoting economic integration between the public and private sectors, and both countries will continue to expand joint ventures and trade through ongoing cooperation.
