ISLAMABAD, October 25, 2026: Pakistan and Qatar have discussed expanding bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, with a focus on agriculture, electric vehicles, information technology, maritime transport and infrastructure development.
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 second meeting of the Pakistan–Qatar Joint Task Force (JTF) on Trade and Investment in Doha.
According to an official statement issued on Sunday, representatives of relevant Pakistani ministries participated virtually, while the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), serving as the task force’s secretariat, coordinated proceedings from Pakistan.
The two sides reviewed progress since the inaugural meeting in April 2026 and discussed measures to improve trade facilitation, attract investment and develop partnerships across priority economic sectors.
Pakistan seeks progress on GCC free trade agreement
During the meeting, Pakistan emphasized the early signing of the Pakistan–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement and requested Qatar’s support in completing the remaining formalities.
The Pakistani delegation informed the meeting that Islamabad had completed its domestic approval process and forwarded the approved agreement text to the GCC Secretariat on December 31, 2025.
Pakistan also raised restrictions on exports of bone-in meat to Qatar and sought their early removal.
Officials said a comprehensive technical dossier addressing animal health and food safety requirements had already been shared with the relevant Qatari authorities.
Qatar invited to invest in agriculture and food security
Agriculture and food security featured prominently in the discussions, with Pakistan highlighting a proposed government-to-government rice supply arrangement between the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and Qatar’s Hassad Food.
The proposed memorandum of understanding has been submitted to the Federal Cabinet for approval.
Pakistan invited Qatari investors to explore opportunities in modern agriculture, grain storage facilities, silos, cold storage, integrated cold-chain infrastructure and advanced farming technologies.
Both sides also discussed sustainable food supply arrangements aimed at strengthening food security and improving agricultural trade.
Electric vehicles and IT partnerships discussed
Pakistan presented investment opportunities in its automobile industry, particularly New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and electric vehicles under the country’s emerging EV policy framework.
The discussions covered potential joint manufacturing ventures, technology transfer and industrial partnerships that could support domestic automotive development.
In the technology sector, Pakistan highlighted its growing IT exports and invited Qatari investment in digital infrastructure, technology partnerships and the expansion of digital services.
Officials identified opportunities for cooperation that could support industrial modernization and strengthen Pakistan’s participation in international technology markets.
Maritime cooperation and motorway investment proposed
Pakistan also proposed greater cooperation in shipping and maritime transport, particularly in securing oil tankers, liquefied natural gas carriers and container vessels.
The proposed collaboration is intended to strengthen energy security and improve international trade connectivity.
The Pakistani delegation presented the proposed new Karachi–Hyderabad Motorway as another potential investment opportunity for Qatar.
According to the briefing, the motorway would improve connectivity between Pakistani seaports and the national highway network while supporting regional transit trade, particularly with Central Asian countries.
The Qatari side expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in civil aviation and air traffic.
Pakistan welcomed the proposal and said aviation-related matters would be addressed through the Technical Working Group on Logistics and Communications.
Investment fund and technical working groups reviewed
The Pakistani delegation also presented the concept of an investment fund to facilitate Qatari participation in infrastructure, agriculture, industrial development, information technology and other priority sectors.
Pakistan stressed the importance of making operational the 11 technical working groups identified during the first Joint Task Force meeting.
These groups cover logistics, aviation, advanced manufacturing, mining and minerals, agriculture, tourism, financial technology, healthcare, education, industrial development, information technology and startups.
Pakistan informed the meeting that it had already shared the composition of the working groups and requested Qatar to communicate its nominations to allow the groups to begin their work.
The groups are expected to identify investment opportunities, address outstanding trade issues and prepare sector-wise progress reports and recommendations before the third Joint Task Force meeting, which will be hosted by Pakistan.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan and Dr. Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed formally signed the minutes of the first meeting of the Pakistan–Qatar Joint Task Force on Trade and Investment.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustained economic engagement, improved trade facilitation and stronger investment partnerships.
Jam Kamal meets World Investment Forum official
Separately, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan met Nan Li Collins, Head of the World Investment Forum, in Doha to discuss regional economic developments and challenges facing the global economy.
The meeting focused on Pakistan’s role in promoting regional cooperation and the importance of strengthening economic integration amid emerging international challenges.
Both sides exchanged views on improving regional connectivity, expanding economic cooperation and pursuing coordinated approaches to shared economic challenges.