Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday said that Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are moving closer to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as technical talks are near conclusion.

UAE Ambassador Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi called on Jam Kamal at his office in Islamabad, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral economic ties and expediting progress on the Pakistan-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), said a statement.

Jam Kamal underscored the historical, strategic, and people-to-people bonds between Pakistan and the UAE, describing the relationship as strong and time-tested across political, defence, and social spheres.

He emphasised, however, that both countries are keen to translate this closeness into a more robust and balanced trade and investment partnership that reflects the true potential of bilateral relations.

The minister highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to create a more enabling environment for business and investment.

He noted that despite short-term challenges faced by the private sector due to stabilisation measures, the government remains focused on medium-term growth, export expansion, and regional connectivity, particularly through partnerships with Gulf countries.

Ambassador Al Zaabi appreciated Pakistan’s reform efforts and the professionalism of the technical teams engaged in CEPA negotiations.

He lauded Pakistan’s market size, human capital, and strategic location, and conveyed the UAE’s strong interest in expanding cooperation in trade, logistics, ports, infrastructure, manufacturing, and investment facilitation.

Both sides also discussed opportunities for joint ventures, trilateral cooperation in third-country markets, and enhanced collaboration in emerging regions such as Central Asia and Africa.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to maintain close coordination and ensure the timely completion of the CEPA process, paving the way for a new phase of mutually beneficial economic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE.