DOHA, Qatar — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday emphasized the need to expand trade and investment between Pakistan and Qatar, as he met senior Qatari officials during a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening economic cooperation.
In talks with Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Qatar’s minister of state for foreign trade and chairman of the Pak-Qatar Joint Business Taskforce, Mr. Sharif stressed the importance of “enhancing bilateral trade volumes” and diversifying Pakistan’s exports to the Gulf state, particularly in agriculture, food products and value-added goods, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office.
The discussions reviewed progress since the sixth session of the Pakistan–Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission and reaffirmed a commitment to implementing previously agreed decisions. Both sides expressed satisfaction over what they described as growing momentum in bilateral relations.
Mr. Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s recent investment-friendly reforms, including the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in streamlining procedures for foreign investors. Qatari officials signaled interest in expanding private-sector engagement and strengthening business-to-business linkages.
A meeting of the Pak-Qatar Joint Business Taskforce is expected to be convened during the month of Ramadan to examine concrete proposals for Qatari investment in Pakistan.
The prime minister is also scheduled to meet Qatar’s emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the country’s prime minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Officials said the bilateral talks would span political engagement, economic cooperation, energy partnerships and people-to-people exchanges.
Separately, a delegation from the Qatar Businessmen Association, led by its chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, met Mr. Sharif in Doha. The prime minister invited Qatari investors to explore opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, energy, agriculture, technology and export-oriented manufacturing.
The Qatari delegation expressed interest in deepening business collaboration and agreed to maintain close engagement, including through upcoming investment-focused meetings and business forums.
Mr. Sharif was received upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by Qatar’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, along with Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar and senior officials. He is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
The visit reflects Islamabad’s broader push to attract Gulf investment and bolster trade ties at a time when Pakistan is seeking to stabilize its economy and expand export markets.
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