ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday held a meeting with a team of economic experts from the United Arab Emirates, saying that their arrival on Eid Al-Fitr displayed the interest of the Middle Eastern country to invest in Pakistan’s economy.
The government had earlier announced that an economic delegation from the UAE would visit Pakistan after Sharif held extensive consultations on a range of bilateral, regional and international issues with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan after completing his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia.
The two leaders agreed to further enhance bilateral trade and build partnerships in various economic sectors.
“The Prime Minister while talking to the delegation said that the Government of Pakistan attaches highest priority to its brotherly relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is desirous to strengthen the relations to the next level especially on the economic front,” said an official statement circulated by the PM Office.
“This high-level visit during the Eid holidays exhibits the keenness of the Government of UAE to invest in our country,” Sharif added. “Pakistan warmly welcomes this brotherly gesture, and has keen interest to welcome significant investments from the Emirati brothers.”
Pakistan is currently facing a massive current account deficit and dwindling foreign exchange reserves. While it is trying to secure external financing, its new administration is viewing the country’s economic relations with the UAE in a much broader perspective.
The UAE delegation deliberated with the Pakistani authorities on how to further consolidate economic cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, infrastructure, petroleum, agriculture and others important sectors.
The two sides also agreed to remain in close contact for the implementation of the investment and trade decisions made at the leadership level in Abu Dhabi.
