Recently Prime Minister Imran Khan went on an official visit to Qatar, both having deep-rooted and historic multi-dimensional relations based on cultural affinities, shared traditions and values, geographical proximity and identity of interests. Pakistan cherishes its historic brotherly relations with Qatar and wants to take them to new heights through greater economic integration, healthy trade and commerce relations and joint ventures.
Meaningful Meetings
PM Imran had meaningful meetings with his Qatari counterpart Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. The main focus of the PM Khan’s visit was on energy cooperation, trade and investment, defence and increase in employment opportunities for the Pakistanis. According to reliable diplomatic sources Imran Khan also requested Qatar’s government to provide a credit facility for LNG supplies and revise the prices during his visit to Doha.
Future Prospects
Imran Khan’s visit to Qatar will further enhance level of trade and commerce and foster commercial diplomacy between the two countries in the days to come. The visit will brighten chances of foreign Direct Investment (QFDIs) by Qatar, moreover it will diversify exports, joint ventures and fields of cooperation in the days to come.
Bilateral relations between the two countries got momentum after the PTI government, which believes in true commercial diplomacy, resumed high official visits which is now paying dividends in shape of greater socio-economic integration, energy cooperation, HR exports and joint ventures, etc. Finance Minister Asad Umar and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi visited Doha one after another in recent weeks which have further strengthened the spirit of bilateral relations. Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, General Qamar Javed Bajwa also paid a visit to Qatar where he met with the Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. Играть онлайн в Toto kazino на деньги They reviewed cooperation between the two countries and ways of enhancing them, and discussed regional and international developments of common concerns.
Visa Facilitation Centre
In December 2018, Qatar had opened a visa facilitation centre in Islamabad for swift processing of visas for Pakistanis wishing to work in Qatar. Doha also promised 100,000 jobs for Pakistani workers and the government is in talks with the Qatari government to adjust skilled members of the labour force returning from Saudi Arabia.
Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister’s Visit to Pakistan
In the near past while meeting Qatari businessmen in Islamabad, Imran Khan had invited Qatari investment in all sectors of Pakistan’s economy, especially in agriculture, livestock, and energy. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs of Qatar who had called on PM Imran in Islamabad to convey felicitations and best wishes on behalf of the Emir of Qatar on PM Khan’s election conveyed the Emir’s keen desire to work with the new leadership in Pakistan to further strengthen close and cordial relations between the two countries. This is a very good omen for Pakistan.
The Qatari foreign minister held talks with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, both underscored the importance of the relationship between Pakistan and Qatar. Discussing bilateral, political and economic relations the ministers decided to hold the next Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in December this year. The Pakistani FM also offered the professional services of the Pakistani workforce for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Both agreed to hold bilateral political consultations.
Qatar: Fastest Growing Economy
Qatar is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and being the world’s largest liquefied natural gas producer it has become a major force in foreign investment, in addition to its achievements in political, cultural, social and legislative spheres. Despite some challenges Qatar has succeeded in maintaining and sustaining the economic independence and protected its national security and strengthened bilateral relations with the world.
Pakistan has always attached high importance to the regional and strategic position of Qatar in the Middle East and appreciates its leading role in the Muslim world. Pakistan is very keen to further strengthen and diversify relations in all fields with Qatar and to this end Pakistan and Qatar agreed to transform their bilateral relations into mutually beneficial economic partnership. Pakistan has invited Qatar’s investment in the energy, infrastructure and agriculture sectors. Qatar also assured that it would continue to support Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission
Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) provided an excellent opportunity to enhance economic and trade relations between the two countries. It is a useful institutional framework for an in-depth review of existing economic relations and identification of new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. In the near past both sides have discussed diverse issues, including joint development of hydropower sector, identification of sources of financing, exploration of investment opportunities in energy sector, rehabilitation of existing hydropower plants and infrastructure development. At this time Pakistan provides ample opportunities to potential Qatari businessmen and investors in diverse fields of national economy.
There is a great opportunity for the Qatari government as well as private companies to make investments in the renewables in Pakistan, especially in solar, wind and hydro-power projects. Software technology parks ICT cooperation would be game changer between both the countries.
Preferred Cooperation
Cooperation in cotton would provide win-win position to Qatari investors because textile benefits are enormous and diversified. Moreover, oil & gas exploration would provide comparative advantage to Qatar which needs to be further strengthened. Extended cooperation in the fields of agriculture and food security would be a game-changer in the days to come. Tourism, SMEs, chemicals and infrastructure sectors would be mutually benefited for both the countries.
Enhanced cooperation in the fields of services sector of Pakistan and Qatar in terms of exchange of technology, movement of capital and the skilled manpower would be mutually beneficial for both the countries. Pakistani exploration and production companies in oil and gas sector desire to join hands with the Qatari companies for investment in upstream and downstream projects in Pakistan.
Forward-looking Policies of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani
The forward-looking policies of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and strategic commercial diplomacy of Prime Minister Imran Khan is a great plus for both countries to move forward. Aiming to be capable of sustaining development and providing a high standard of living for the people for generations to come would provide an ideal platform to go forward.
Qatar: Land of Wonders
Qatar is now the land of wonders and an important financial hub. It is one of the ideal destinations of lavish hospitality. It reflects the true spirits of harmony and tolerance. The future of Qatar’s macro-economy depends on further diversification of economy, energy resources, widespread of social development, foreign direct investment, SMEs and above all human resource development. On Pakistan’s part, it is the land of resilience and righteousness and home of courageous people and diversified cultures. Its national policies are based on non-violence and non-interference. The future of further enhancing of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar are bright, positive, diversified and sustainable.
