Pakistan and Qatar have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation during the second meeting of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Task Force in Doha, with both sides reviewing progress made since the forum’s inaugural session in April 2026.
The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed. At the close of the session, the two officials formally signed the minutes of the joint task force’s first meeting.
Pakistan Seeks Early Signing of GCC Free Trade Agreement
Pakistan stressed the need for an early signing of the Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement. Pakistani officials said the domestic approval process had been completed and sought Qatar’s cooperation in finalising the remaining formalities.
Islamabad also called on Doha to lift its ban on imports of bone-in meat, noting that comprehensive technical documentation concerning animal health and food safety had already been provided to Qatari authorities.
Rice Supply Deal Moves to Cabinet
The two sides discussed a proposed government-to-government agreement for rice supplies from Pakistan to Qatar. The proposed arrangement between the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and Qatar’s Hassad Food has been sent to the federal cabinet for approval.
Pakistan invited Qatar to invest in modern agriculture, grain storage, cold-chain facilities and agricultural technology, with both countries also discussing sustainable supply arrangements aimed at strengthening food security.
New Avenues in Industry, Technology and Transport
Investment opportunities in electric and new-energy vehicles were also on the agenda, including joint manufacturing, technology transfer and industrial partnerships. Pakistan further invited Qatari investment in information technology, digital infrastructure and IT services.
The meeting explored ways to expand cooperation in maritime transport and shipping, with Pakistan highlighting potential collaboration in oil tankers, liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and container vessels.
Pakistan also presented the proposed new Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway as a potential investment opportunity for Qatar, saying the project could improve connectivity between ports and support regional trade with Central Asian countries.
Aviation, Investment Fund and Working Groups
Qatar emphasised the importance of expanding cooperation in civil aviation and air connectivity, a proposal welcomed by Pakistan. The two sides also discussed a proposed investment fund and opportunities in priority sectors.
Pakistan called for the early activation of 11 technical working groups covering agriculture, minerals, industry, education, health, tourism, information technology and other areas. Officials said details of Pakistan’s representatives had been shared with Qatar and requested that Doha nominate its representatives soon.
It was decided that the working groups would prepare progress reports on trade and investment opportunities and other areas of cooperation ahead of the task force’s third meeting, which will be held in Pakistan.
Commerce Minister Meets World Investment Forum Chief
Separately, Jam Kamal Khan met Nan Li Collins, head of the World Investment Forum, in Doha. Their discussions covered the regional situation, global economic challenges, regional cooperation, economic connectivity and the need for coordinated efforts to address shared challenges.
