Pakistan and Qatar have made progress in strengthening bilateral trade and investment cooperation, with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) playing a key role in coordinating discussions and presenting investment opportunities to Qatari investors.
The development follows the second meeting of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Task Force (JTF) on Trade and Investment, held in Doha on October 24. The meeting reviewed progress in economic cooperation and explored opportunities to expand trade, attract foreign investment and develop industrial partnerships between the two countries.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, co-chaired the meeting. Representatives of relevant Pakistani ministries participated virtually, while the SIFC coordinated the proceedings as the task force’s secretariat.
Pakistan Seeks Qatar’s Support for GCC Free Trade Agreement
Pakistan emphasised the need for an early conclusion of the proposed Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement and sought Qatar’s 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 December 31, 2025.
The proposed agreement is expected to provide a framework for strengthening trade relations and improving market access between Pakistan and GCC member states.
Pakistan also raised concerns over restrictions on its bone-in meat exports to Qatar and called for an early resolution. Officials said a technical dossier addressing animal health and food safety requirements had already been shared with the relevant Qatari authorities.
Agriculture and Food Security Among Key Priorities
Agriculture and food security featured prominently in the discussions, with Pakistan inviting Qatari investment in modern farming, grain storage facilities, silos, cold storage and integrated cold-chain infrastructure.
Pakistan also highlighted a proposed memorandum of understanding between the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and Qatar’s Hassad Food for rice supplies under a government-to-government arrangement. The proposal has been submitted to the federal cabinet for approval.
Both countries discussed sustainable food supply arrangements and opportunities to strengthen agricultural cooperation.
Investment Opportunities in Electric Vehicles and Technology
Pakistan also presented opportunities for Qatari investment in the automotive sector, particularly electric vehicles and new-energy vehicles under the country’s EV policy framework.
Potential areas of collaboration include joint manufacturing, technology transfer and industrial partnerships.
Other sectors highlighted for cooperation included information technology, digital infrastructure, maritime transport, connectivity projects and infrastructure development.
Pakistan also proposed greater Qatari participation in investment opportunities across agriculture, industrial development and other priority sectors.
Joint Task Force to Strengthen Economic Cooperation
The Pakistani side called for the early operationalisation of 11 technical working groups established under the Joint Task Force framework. These groups cover areas including logistics, aviation, manufacturing, mining and minerals, agriculture, tourism, financial technology, healthcare, education, information technology and startups.
The working groups are expected to identify practical trade and investment opportunities, address outstanding issues and prepare sector-specific recommendations ahead of the third meeting of the Joint Task Force, which Pakistan is scheduled to host.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan and Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed signed the minutes of the first Joint Task Force meeting.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic ties through sustained engagement, improved trade facilitation, stronger investment partnerships and effective follow-up on agreed initiatives.
The latest development highlights Pakistan’s efforts to attract investment from Gulf partners and expand economic cooperation with Qatar across trade, agriculture, technology and infrastructure.
