'We hope to increase trade with Pakistan in a multitude of areas'

An interview with the Consular of the UAE - HE Bakheet Ateeq al Romaithi 45th UAE National Day
Q: Please explore the scope & opportunities of Pakistan UAE Trade & Business?
Ans: Pakistan and UAE not only share a long standing relationship ever since the formation of my country in 1971, but also we are partners in trade and bilateral investment. We will continue to be Pakistan's friend and ally, explore new avenues for growth by highlighting new avenues for investment in each other's countries. We will work for formation of joint ventures between businesses from both countries and continued cooperation between both our countries. We hope to increase Trade with Pakistan in a multitude of areas due to our close proximity with Pakistan we will make our 'borders soft' by further liberalisation of trade.
Q: What sectors do you see for Pakistani Businessmen as an opportunity in the UAE?
Ans: I would like to say that my country offers a lot of avenues for investment, today more than 8000 Pakistani small businesses have been setup in my country in free zones and economic zones, more than 1.5 million Pakistanis are gainfully employed all over UAE and are one of the most professional workers we can find there.
Q: As the Consul General of the UAE in Pakistan, what sectors do you have observed which are holding investment potential in particular with regard to business interest to the UAE government?
Ans: As per IMF and World Bank, Pakistan's economy is on the path of recovery with the improvement of macroeconomic indicators, our business and trade have also improved in the recent past with UAE investors interested in making further investments in Pakistan due to higher returns in the emerging Pakistan economy. The UAE is interested in agriculture sector of Pakistan as per its food outsource policy, we have also received queries regarding investment in Banking sector.
Q: Please comment on UAE-Pakistan relations over the years?
Ans: Pakistan and UAE are brotherly nations ever since the inception of UAE in 1971. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the UAE. Over the years we have cooperated in multiple fields including business, trade, bilateral investment and education. Millions of Pakistanis have contributed to the development and progress of my since our early years till to date. The UAE has always been there for Pakistan's help in times of National Calamities and disasters and will continue to do so as a brotherly country. So, in a way this 45th National Day of the UAE is also a celebration of 45 years of UAE- Pakistan relationship.
Q: In the years to come, where do you see the United Arab Emirates and what are the aims of the government to make it stronger in the region; especially the VISION 2021?
Ans: Vision 2021 was formulated by the HH. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE. It is what the UAE aspires to become on the 50th year of formation of my nation. 2021 will also be the year of 50 years of UAE-Pakistan relations and on that year we need to be having the strongest partnership in trade and investment at the macro level, More People-to-people contact for business at the micro level. We should work on new and bigger joint ventures that benefit us both. So, 2021 will essentially be the pinnacle of our relationship.
(The writer is Bakheet Ateeq al Romaithi Consular of the UAE)