Pakistan and Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed on Friday four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to enhance collaboration in multiple fields including rail, airport infrastructure and maritime shipping and logistics.

MoUs were signed as a delegation of investors led by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif here, according to a PM Office press release.

The prime minister saw the exchange of agreements relating to the ministries of maritime affairs, aviation, railways and Federal Board of Revenue with the Abu Dhabi (AD) Ports Group.

As per MoUs, Pakistan and AD Ports Group “will explore potential collaboration in customs, rail, airport infrastructure and maritime shipping and logistics sectors.”

The MoUs are aimed at improving digital customs controls, developing dedicated freight rail corridors, upgrading Pakistan’s maritime fleet and marine services, and Pakistan’s international airports.

In the meeting with the delegation, the prime minister expressed gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and PM Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their support to Pakistan.

He underlined that the fraternal Pakistan and UAE ties were “rooted in shared history and culture.”

The prime minister highlighted the economic partnership between the two nations across sectors such as trade, energy, and investment, which had contributed to growth and prosperity in both countries.

PM Shehbaz highlighted that the visit demonstrated the commitment of the UAE government to further enhance its investment footprint in Pakistan.

He underscored that the investments by the UAE would play a “crucial role” in boosting Pakistan’s economy.

Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and hospitality. While showing his satisfaction at the existing investments of AD Ports in Pakistan, he expressed keen interest to further expand investment in Pakistan in shipping, ports efficiency enhancement, logistics and digitisation of customs.

The UAE delegation also included Kaheel Group Chairman Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Abu Dhabi Ports Group Managing Director & Group Chief Executive Officer Capt. Mohamed Al Shamisi and UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi.

The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Maritime Affairs Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, and SAPM Tariq Fatemi.