Fatima Mirza
ISLAMABAD, October 25, 2026: Pakistan has taken another step towards strengthening its economy by expanding trade and investment cooperation with Qatar. The two countries discussed new business opportunities, agricultural exports, foreign investment and industrial development during a high-level meeting in Doha on October 24.
The second meeting of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Task Force on Trade and Investment was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed. According to Pakistan’s Press Information Department, the meeting reviewed progress in economic cooperation and explored ways to improve trade between the two countries.
The meeting reflects the Pakistani government’s efforts to find new markets for Pakistani products and attract investment from friendly countries. By focusing on practical business opportunities, Pakistan is seeking to strengthen its economic relations with Qatar and create better opportunities for local industries, farmers and exporters.
Increasing exports is an important part of Pakistan’s economic development. According to the data published by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan exported goods worth approximately $158.1 million to Qatar in the 2023-24 financial year. These exports included meat, rice, onions, potatoes, maize and other products.
The figures show that Qatar is an established market for Pakistani agricultural and food products. However, there is still room to increase sales and expand the range of goods supplied to the Qatari market.
During the latest meeting, Pakistan raised the issue of restrictions on its bone-in meat exports to Qatar and requested an early resolution. The Pakistani side stated that they had already shared a technical document covering animal health and food safety requirements with the relevant Qatari authorities.
Resolving this issue could help Pakistani meat exporters reach more customers in Qatar. It could also benefit livestock farmers, meat processors and businesses that are involved in packaging and transportation.
The government’s decision to raise a specific export barrier shows the importance of addressing practical problems that are faced by Pakistani businesses in foreign markets.
Agriculture and food security were also important subjects during the discussions.
Pakistan presented a proposed agreement between the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and Qatar’s Hassad Food for the supply of Pakistani rice through a government-to-government arrangement. The proposal has been submitted to Pakistan’s Federal Cabinet for approval.
If approved and implemented, the arrangement could provide Pakistani rice suppliers with an additional opportunity to access the Qatari market.
Pakistan produces a variety of rice, including well-known basmati varieties. Better access to overseas markets can support farmers, rice mill owners, exporters and workers involved in the agricultural supply chain.
The proposal also highlights the value of government cooperation in connecting food-producing countries with international buyers. However, the agreement remains subject to approval and should not be treated as a completed supply contract.
Another major focus of the meeting was attracting Qatari investment to Pakistan.
The Pakistani delegation invited investors to explore opportunities in modern agriculture, grain storage, silos, cold-storage facilities and advanced farming technologies. These areas are important because better storage and transportation systems can help protect agricultural products and reduce losses after harvesting.
Pakistan also presented opportunities in electric vehicles, information technology, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Cooperation in these sectors could support industrial development, encourage technology transfer and create opportunities for skilled workers.
The government also highlighted the proposed Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway as a possible investment opportunity for Qatar. Improved road links between seaports and the national transport network could help businesses move goods more efficiently and strengthen connections with regional markets, including Central Asia.
In addition, Pakistan discussed potential cooperation in maritime transport, including oil tankers, liquefied natural gas carriers and container vessels.
These proposals show that Pakistan is seeking investment across several sectors rather than depending on a single industry. The next important step will be to turn these opportunities into funded projects and agreements.
Pakistan also stressed the importance of completing the Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement.
According to the Commerce Ministry’s briefing reported by Business Recorder, Pakistan completed its domestic approval process and sent the approved agreement text to the GCC Secretariat on December 31, 2025.
Pakistan sought Qatar’s support in completing the remaining formalities. A free trade agreement could improve market access and create opportunities for Pakistani exporters, depending on its final terms.
The meeting also discussed 11 technical working groups covering sectors such as agriculture, logistics, aviation, tourism, healthcare, education, information technology and industrial development. Pakistan asked Qatar to nominate its representatives so that the groups could begin their work.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan and Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed signed the minutes of the first meeting of the Joint Task Force. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to stronger trade, investment partnerships and continued cooperation.
Separately, Jam Kamal Khan met Nan Li Collins, Head of the World Investment Forum, in Doha. Their discussions covered regional cooperation, economic integration and global economic challenges.
The Pakistani government deserves recognition for pursuing dialogue with Qatar on specific trade barriers, agricultural supplies and investment opportunities. Such engagement can help Pakistani businesses find new markets and encourage foreign investors to consider projects in the country.
