ISLAMABAD: Pakistan plans to set up a new trade mission in Oman, its commerce minister Jam Kamal Khan announced on Tuesday, as the country strives to increase its trade relations with neighboring states, particularly in the Middle East.
Faced with prolonged financial challenges, Pakistan has indulged in active economic diplomacy with friendly nations and tried to strengthen regional connectivity to ensure a smooth flow of trade joining the landlocked Central Asian states with the Middle East and beyond.
Pakistan’s commerce minister discussed the bilateral trade with Oman during a meeting with a delegation from the Arab country that was spearheaded by the undersecretary of investment Ibtisam Al Farouji.
“The Minister warmly welcomed the delegation and underscored the historical ties and economic opportunities between the two nations,” said an official statement released after the meeting in Islamabad.
“Jam Kamal Khan stated that the Ministry of Commerce is in the process of opening a new trade mission in Oman, which will ultimately enhance trade relations between the two countries,” it added.
He highlighted investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in the economic sectors like sports, information technology, renewable energy, pointing out that the country offered cheap labor, port handling and logistics.
The official statement said the Omani delegation agreed there was substantial potential to enhance bilateral trade of steel, energy renewables and pharmaceuticals.
The delegation also invited Pakistani investment in Oman’s manufacturing sector, offering incentives such as cheap gas and raw materials.
It also showed interest in acquiring raw materials from Pakistan, due to close proximity and low logistics costs, including iron ore, fruits and vegetables.
Both sides expressed optimism about the future of bilateral trade and investment, underscoring the need for continued dialogue and cooperation to fully realize the economic potential of their relationship.
Pakistan to establish trade mission in Oman to boost bilateral commercial relations
https://arab.news/62vsq
Pakistan to establish trade mission in Oman to boost bilateral commercial relations
- Pakistan’s commerce minister briefs an Omani delegation about investment opportunities in sports, renewables
- The Omani delegation shows interest in getting iron ore, fruits and vegetables from Pakistan due to close proximity
Pakistan’s PIA enters into cargo deal with Air France-KLM to boost exports
- As per agreement, PIA’s freight division will gain access to Air France-KLM’s network of European, American cities
- Exporters will be able to use both PIA, Air France–KLM’s networks under a single air waybill, says Pakistani airline
KARACHI: The recently privatized Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced on Wednesday that it has entered into a cargo agreement with global aviation group Air France-KLM to expand its global outreach and push Pakistani exports to more international markets.
The PIA said its agreement with Air France-KLM came into force on Jan. 15. Air France-KLM operates in 320 destinations and is a global aviation player in passenger, cargo and maintenance businesses.
As per the agreement, PIA Cargo, the airline’s freight division, will gain access to Air France–KLM’s global network. Through the deal, PIA Cargo will gain access to Air France–KLM’s global network via Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam.
Air France-KLM’s network includes major European cities such as Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Düsseldorf, and New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles, the PIA said.
“Significant improvement is expected in the exports of Pakistani products and access to global markets,” the PIA said in a statement.
Exporters will be able to use both the PIA’s and Air France–KLM’s networks under a single air waybill, the airline said.
An air waybill is a document used in international air shipping that serves as a legal, non-negotiable contract between the shipper and the airline.
In November 2025, PIA and Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed a Cargo Interline Special Agreement to expand cargo business and augment bilateral trade. The partnership aims to minimize logistical complexities in transporting commodities.
The PIA was Pakistan’s national flag carrier until a Pakistani consortium, led by the Arif Habib Group, secured a 75 percent stake in the airline in December for Rs135 billion ($482 million). Pakistan had previously attempted to reform the debt-ridden airline, which had accumulated more than $2.8 billion in financial losses over the years.
PIA’s new owner Arif Habib announced last week that the airline is in talks with aerospace manufacturers Boeing and Airbus as it plans to revamp service and expand its current fleet.
The PIA has said it plans to increase the airline’s fleet to 64 aircraft from the current figure of 19 over the next eight years.
