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Pakistan-UAE trade diplomacy: A focus on outcomes and impact
Various efforts are made to explore new partnerships by arranging successful B2B linkages with the support of different UAE based Trade Missions, Pakistan Business Councils of Dubai and Sharjah, multinational business councils and Business Chambers of Commerce and Industry
- PUBLISHED: Thu 14 Aug 2025, 8:30 AM
- By:
- Ali Zeb Khan
Since the UAE has historically remained one of the key trading partners of Pakistan, an overview of the bilateral trade indicates that the total merchandise trade only has surged over $10 billion during the financial year 2024-25. Pakistan’s merchandise exports to the UAE have increased over $2 billion marking an increase when compared with the last year. This growth was mainly driven in all trade sectors including food and agro-based commodities, textiles and apparel, chemicals, plastics and rubber, minerals/fuels and other manufactured goods.
Pakistan’s exports to the UAE are also diversifying beyond traditional sectors. An increase in exports of tobacco, marble, electrical cables and furnace oil from Pakistan is taking place due to the growing industrialisation and real estate projects of the UAE. While encompassing a targeted focus on enhanced regional connectivity, trade facilitation, active commercial diplomacy and improvement in regulatory compliance, Pakistan aims to enhance its exports to the UAE through targeted initiatives for substantial outcomes.
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As part of trade diplomacy, active interaction with the host Government’s ministries and trade related departments is maintained by the mission at all levels so that institutional linkages can be strengthened for mutual gains. During a successful 12th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held in Abu Dhabi after a lapse of almost 12 years, two specific Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for enhancement of bilateral trade and investment were signed. The first deal included a deal on the establishment of a Joint Task Force to promote Investments while the second agreement was about Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy. Prior to the JMC, a MoU was also signed for Establishment of Pakistan-UAE Joint Business Council. These actions underscore the deep-rooted and multifaceted collaboration between Pakistan and the UAE and their shared vision for a stronger economic and commercial relationship in future.
Capitalising on the UAE’s strategic location as global hub, its business ecosystem and diverse preferences, the participation of Pakistani exporters under Trade Development of Pakistan (TDAP) in Dubai’s world class exhibitions like Gulfood, Arab Health, Gitex Global, Beauty World, Middle East Energy, ISM, Big 5, InterSec, Gulfood Manufacturing, etc has provided great opportunities to showcase a wide range of goods and services. Besides facilitation extended to these trade delegations by Trade & Investment Wing in the Consulate, various efforts are made to explore new partnerships by arranging successful B2B linkages with the support of different UAE based Trade Missions, Pakistan Business Councils of Dubai and Sharjah, multinational business councils and Business Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Secondly, the focus on promoting country branding during these mega events, organising of various networking events, conferences and media publicity are crucial steps taken to create impact of Pakistani products and to achieve progress on the initiatives in the host market.
Since the Ministry of Commerce in Pakistan prioritises the enhancement of exports trade through various frameworks, the Trade & Investment Wing conducts regular market intelligence through various conferences, data analysis, talks and seminars on trade and investment hosted by different multinational forum and government entities in the UAE. Consequently, these reports are prepared for essential insights about foreign market size and potential, tariff and non-tariff measures and other legal environment enabling Pakistani exporters for their informed decisions.
The UAE has invested in the sectors of communications, services, tourism, information technology, oil and gas, housing, banking, telecommunication and real estate in Pakistan and has branches of its giant companies such as Etihad Airways, Emirates, Emaar, Al Falah Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Parco, Mashreq Bank, DP World, Abu Dhabi Ports Company and others. During recent bilateral visits, the keen interest shown by the UAE side in expanding its investment portfolio in Pakistan and the recent successful investment initiatives facilitated under the platform of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports are a shining example of this robust and ever-expanding cooperation.
In addition to agriculture, renewable energy, tourism and IT, there are many potential sectors in Pakistan which can attract investment in healthcare, skilled human resorces, hospitality, mining and minerals, logistics and transport infrastructure, real estate and climate change financing.
— Ali Zeb Khan is a Trade and Investment Counsellor at Pakistan Consulate Dubai.