The improved ports connectivity between Qatar and Pakistan will play a significant role in expanding the two countries’ trade relations, Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce Additional Secretary (Trade Diplomacy) Javed Akbar Bhatti said.
“We are developing and improving this network, apart from our Karachi port which is already functional and has connectivity with the Hamad Port,” he told attendees at a panel discussion during the International Product Exhibition and Conference (IPEC 2018) on Tuesday.
Bhatti joined Qatar’s Minister of Transport and Communications HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, Public Works Authority (Ashghal) president Dr Engr Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi and Iran’s Bushehr Province Governor Abdul Karim Grawend in discussing ‘The Role of Infrastructure in Determining Export and Imports Competitiveness’ at the session.
The panel also tackled infrastructure projects to facilitate and increase the exports and imports in Qatar, and outlining regulatory compliance with the new trade partners within the Qatar market.
Bhatti noted that their trade with Qatar has improved substantially, with both import and export showing an upward trend due to the Gwadar port’s commissioning.
Besides Gwadar, he said the Pakistan – China Economic Corridor is also paving the way for the establishment of many economic zones in other parts of Pakistan.
“We have improved that road connectivity in Pakistan, we plan to provide all the infrastructure facilities to the potential investors,” stressed Bhatti. “Our new government aims to promote more investments especially with our brotherly countries.”
“We look forward to Qatar as a major investor, we had very good discussions with Qatari authorities, the Qatar Financial Centre and other institutions,” he said, adding that Pakistani businessmen also took part in several B2B meetings on the sidelines of IPEC.
Bhatti thanked Qatar for supplying Pakistan with energy, which significantly helped in overcoming their power crisis and ensuring the smooth supply to its industries.
He said Pakistani companies have been closely collaborating with Qatar authorities, presenting three large projects.
Like Pakistan, Grawend said Iran is also wooing Qatar to invest in Bushehr Province, a move that will further create trade opportunities between the two countries.
This Iranian province boasts a long coastline, produces and exports tonnes of various agricultural and food products such as shrimp and other seafood, chicken and other meat, he added.
“It is the shortest distance connecting Qatar’s market to Iran, and this short distance has eliminated all of the limitations of doing business and economic relationship,” he pointed out, noting that such huge potential can be very important for Qatari businessmen.
