ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates strengthened economic ties this year, with bilateral trade increasing by 20.24 percent to $10.1 billion in fiscal 2024–25, according to State Bank of Pakistan data cited by Radio Pakistan on Thursday.
The state broadcaster report attributed the gains to the efforts of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a civil-military body set up in 2023 to fast‑track Gulf and other foreign investments in Pakistan’s key sectors. Islamabad aims to leverage these ties to reduce its import bill, attract capital, and create jobs.
The renewed focus on FDI comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to diversify exports and stabilize its economy under an IMF-supported reform program.
“There has been significant progress in Pakistan‑UAE cooperation due to effective policies of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC),” the state broadcaster reported, attributing the statement to the Interior Ministry.
The growth follows the 12th session of the Pakistan‑UAE Joint Ministerial Commission, where officials from both countries discussed collaborations in trade, investment, food security, aviation, IT and energy, Radio Pakistan added.
Bilateral trade reached approximately $10.9 billion in fiscal 2023–24, including $8.41 billion in goods and $2.56 billion in services. Exports from Pakistan to the UAE were around $2.1 billion in FY25, compared to $8 billion in imports.
The UAE is also a major source of remittances. In 2024, money sent home by the Pakistani diaspora was $6.7 billion, which is projected to exceed $7 billion in 2025.
