Pak-Qatar JC session held in Doha: need for long-term, sustainable partnership on equal footing stressed

The fifth session of Pakistan-Qatar Joint Commission, co-chaired by Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari and Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) of Pakistan Omar Ayub Khan, was held in Doha on November 4-5, 2019.

The two sides called for a long-term and sustainable partnership on equal footing to explore new areas of cooperation for encouraging trade and investment relations. The joint commission urged private sectors from both countries to establish mechanisms aiming at promotion of bilateral trade, according to a statement issued here on Wednesday.

A detailed discussion was held to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, industry, transport, energy, manpower export, education, science & technology, finance, tourism and infrastructure.

The leaders of both sides also held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the joint commission, the statement added.

The joint commission undertook a comprehensive review of all the facets of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar.

Both sides emphasized on the importance of activating the Qatari-Pakistani Joint Business Council. It was agreed to finalize holding the meeting of Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment based on the memorandum of understanding signed in June 2019.

The joint commission also encouraged establishing trade fairs and exhibitions in both countries with the aim of introducing manufactured goods and products of both countries.

The two sides expressed their interest in developing investment cooperation.

The Qatari side welcomed the identification of investment opportunities in various sectors in Pakistan.

Besides, discussions were held on enhancing employment opportunities for highly skilled and professional manpower from Pakistan in Qatar.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in aviation, culture and tourism sectors.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019