DOHA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday invited members of the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s infrastructure, logistics, energy, agriculture, technology and export-oriented manufacturing sectors, highlighting the country’s improving macroeconomic indicators and investor-friendly reforms.
The prime minister was addressing a QBA delegation led by its chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani during his official visit to Doha. Welcoming the delegation, he appreciated QBA’s constructive role in strengthening economic and commercial linkages between Pakistan and Qatar, underscoring that private-sector-led engagement remains a key pillar of bilateral relations.
He emphasised the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a one-window platform ensuring transparency, efficiency and swift decision-making for foreign investors.
Sheikh Faisal expressed keen interest in expanding business-to-business cooperation and exploring new investment avenues in Pakistan. Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement, including during the upcoming visit of the Pak-Qatar investment task force to Doha and through business forums aimed at translating discussions into tangible partnerships.
Focus on Trade Diversification
In a separate meeting, the prime minister held talks with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, who also chairs the Pak-Qatar Joint Business Task Force.
The two leaders reviewed bilateral trade and economic cooperation, expressing satisfaction over the growing momentum in relations. They discussed follow-up actions from the 6th Session of the Pakistan–Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing agreed decisions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed the need to enhance bilateral trade volumes and diversify Pakistan’s exports to Qatar, particularly in agricultural produce, food items and value-added goods. Dr. Al-Sayed reiterated Qatar’s interest in strengthening economic cooperation and deepening private-sector linkages.
Both sides agreed to convene a task force meeting within Ramazan to finalise concrete investment proposals for Qatari investment in Pakistan.
Defence and Regional Cooperation
The prime minister also met Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to expanding bilateral defence and security cooperation.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over ongoing collaboration between their armed forces. Sheikh Saoud praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and conveyed Qatar’s interest in further strengthening defence ties.
Regional developments, including the situations in Iran and Afghanistan, were also discussed. Both leaders emphasised dialogue, de-escalation and collective efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
The meetings collectively reflected the shared resolve of Pakistan and Qatar to elevate their strategic partnership through enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, defence and regional affairs.
