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Tuesday February 11, 2025

Talks with UAE under way for Pakistanis’ visa facilities: Jam Kamal

Minister suggests that free trade agreement could be finalised within next two months

By Sibte Arif
January 12, 2025
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan addresses the Pakistan Business Council Dubai, emphasizing the pivotal role of the private sector in strengthening Pakistan-UAE trade and investment ties. — PID
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan addresses the Pakistan Business Council Dubai, emphasizing the pivotal role of the private sector in strengthening Pakistan-UAE trade and investment ties. — PID

DUBAI: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has revealed that high-level discussions are ongoing with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on visa facilitation for Pakistani citizens.

He made these remarks after attending a ceremony, hosted by the Pakistan Business Council Dubai. He said both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s foreign ministry were actively engaged with the Emirati authorities to address visa challenges.

Jam Kamal also shared promising news about future trade prospects, noting that negotiations were underway for a comprehensive partnership agreement (CEPA) to enhance trade between Pakistan and the UAE. The minister suggested that a free trade agreement could be finalised within the next two months, although some regulatory details were still being worked out.

Beyond the UAE, Pakistan is also preparing free trade frameworks with other Gulf nations and working to deepen economic ties with Central Asian and African countries, he added.

Appreciating the UAE’s ongoing investments in Pakistan, particularly in port development by Abu Dhabi and Dubai Ports, Jam Kamal highlighted that such investments were expected to boost Pakistan’s trade volume significantly.