ISLAMABAD, Mar 12: Pakistan and Qatar could expand bilateral trade by directing investment toward key sectors such as energy, agri-food and value-added manufacturing, while improving export standards and supply reliability, according to economic experts.
Analysts say a phased strategy could help Pakistan increase exports to the Qatari market. The approach includes strengthening export readiness in priority sectors, improving compliance and product standards, and establishing structured business-to-business engagement mechanisms to convert commercial discussions into formal agreements.
Investment opportunities in energy and refining
Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Zaeem Hassan Mehmood, senior researcher at Greenwich University, said Pakistan’s installed crude oil refining capacity stands at about 450,000 barrels per day but remains underutilised due to limited deep conversion capability and ageing infrastructure.
He noted that the situation presents an opportunity for investment from Qatar, particularly in upgrading refinery infrastructure and introducing advanced technology to improve efficiency and product quality.
According to Mehmood, modernisation of Pakistan’s refining sector could help meet growing domestic fuel demand and enable the production of higher-value refined petroleum products for export.
Potential in agriculture and food exports
Experts also identified strong prospects for cooperation in agriculture and food exports. Mehmood said improvements in cold-chain infrastructure and quality standards could strengthen Pakistan’s export potential in rice, fruits and halal meat for Qatar and other Gulf markets.
He added that exporters must ensure compliance with sanitary regulations and export requirements set by the Gulf Cooperation Council to remain competitive in the region.
Technology adoption could also support export growth, with tools such as artificial intelligence helping improve supply-chain management and product traceability.
Expanding exports through standards and partnerships
Namra Saleem, research associate at the Policy Research and Advisory Council, said Qatar’s reliance on food imports offers opportunities for investment in Pakistan’s agri-food and livestock sectors, including bovine meat, onions, rice and citrus.
She said Pakistan could also expand exports of cement, construction materials and value-added textiles through joint ventures and branding partnerships rather than relying on commodity-based trade.
Saleem emphasised the need for exporters to strengthen certification and quality compliance to capture an estimated $227 million export potential in the Qatari market identified by the International Trade Centre.
She added that contract farming, improved traceability systems and retail-ready packaging designed for Arabic-speaking markets could help ensure consistent supply and strengthen market access.
Need for facilitation mechanisms
Muhammad Zain said Qatar could generate immediate economic impact by investing in sectors where Pakistan already has export capacity but requires expansion.
These sectors include food processing, value-added agriculture, technical textiles, information technology services, pharmaceuticals and construction materials such as cement and ceramics.
Zain said exporters should focus on meeting Gulf-specific packaging, halal certification and quality standards while improving supply chain reliability and delivery timelines.
To accelerate investment and trade deals, he suggested establishing sector-specific working groups and a fast-track facilitation mechanism for Qatari investors within Pakistan’s trade missions, along with matchmaking events linking Qatari buyers with verified Pakistani exporters.
