Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of trade, industry, transport, energy, manpower export, education, science & technology, finance, tourism and infrastructure.
The 5th session of Pakistan-Qatar Joint Commission, which undertook a comprehensive review of all the facets of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar, was held in Doha on 4-5 November 2019, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.
The commission was co-chaired by Energy (Petroleum Division) Minister Omar Ayub Khan and Qatar’s Commerce and Industry Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari.
The co-chairs also held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the joint commission.
The two sides decided to aim for a long-term and sustainable partnership on an equal footing to explore new areas of cooperation that could encourage trade and investment relations.
The joint commission urged the private sectors of both countries to establish mechanisms towards the promotion of bilateral trade.
Both sides emphasised the importance of activating the Qatari-Pakistani Joint Business Council. It was agreed to hold the meeting of Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment based on the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in June this year.
The joint commission also stressed the need for trade fairs and exhibitions in both countries with an aim to introduce manufactured goods and products in each others’ markets.
The two sides expressed their interest in developing investment cooperation. The Qatari side welcomed the identification of investment opportunities in various sectors in Pakistan.
Besides, discussions were held on enhancing employment opportunities for highly skilled and professional manpower from Pakistan in Qatar. The two sides also discussed cooperation in aviation, culture and tourism.
INVESTORS’ INTEREST
Meanwhile, Ambassador of Qatar to Pakistan Saqr Bin Mubarak said on Wednesday that the Qatri investors were keen to invest in the tourism and real estate sectors of Pakistan.
The ambassador was talking to Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh.
The envoy on the occasion also invited Hafeez Shaikh to participate in the upcoming Doha Forum, scheduled to be held in December this year, and formally handed over him an invitation letter on behalf of the deputy prime minister of Qatar.
The advisor said that Pakistan accorded great importance to its relations with Qatar, adding that Prime Minister Imran Khan was committed to strengthening and expanding the bilateral relations.
