Trade volume between United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan has reached around $11 billion while the bilateral trade will be enhanced further through exploring new opportunities both sides. UAE foresees new investments in Pakistan through joint ventures. Seven-Emirate block already has over $20 billion worth investment in the country.
This was said by Suhail Bin Matar Al-Ketbi, Consul General of UAE to Pakistan here at his office while talking to journalists. According to Counsel General, since UAE already have investments in various sectors here including transport, energy, agriculture, fruit and vegetable and others, it has also identified lands in Sindh and Punjab for modern farming and corporate farming. Best quality of agricultural products would later be marketed locally and internationally Counsel General added.
He said state of Ras Al Khaimah, one of seven emirates of UAE, has also got approval from government of Pakistan to start the new airline service, ‘RAK Airline’ from three destinations in Pakistan including Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Due to modern refrigeration system in Emirates Airline, he said, first consignment of Pakistani mango had reached Japan through the Dubai based air service. Talking about forthcoming ‘UAE Expo 2011’ scheduled to be held at Karachi Expo Center from November 30 to December 2, 2011, he said that the first event would explore further trade opportunities in Pakistan and Emirates. In the important event, over 70 companies of UAE would participate while almost 90 businessmen belonging to various sectors would also attend the expo where they would hold meetings with their Pakistani counterparts. Businessmen, exhibitors, official especially Miss Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE’s minister for foreign trade UAE who will open the event, and Emirates based media persons would also attend the first-ever UAE’s “Magnificent 7” Expo being organised by the Consulate General at Karachi. Activities of the scheduled event were included in the comprehensive exhibition, showcasing highly promising UAE manufactured goods, conference and seminars and gala night. Exhibition not only invited eminent industry personalities but also amassed general public. Exhibition would also help to improve the image of Pakistan, Consul General stated. He was informing foreign businessmen and tourists that there was a peaceful business friendly environment in Karachi. He informed that friendship with Pakistan was instigated after the first visit of Sheikh ZAyed bin Sultan Al Nahyan toPakistan in 1969.
