Pakistan, Qatar explore new regional trade routes

Pakistan, Qatar explore new regional trade routes

Pakistan and Qatar have explored expanding regional trade links through the Middle East and Central Asia, with a potential route connecting Pakistan to Türkiye and European markets.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held a series of meetings with regional counterparts on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Summit, where the discussions covered trade, connectivity, food security and emerging technologies.

Jam Kamal separately met the ministers of Qatar, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well as the Secretary General of the International Organization for Mediation (IoMed).

During his meeting with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Sayed, the two sides reviewed developments in the Middle East and their broader economic and regional impact.

Jam Kamal welcomed Qatar’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. The Qatari minister, in turn, praised Pakistan’s role in supporting regional peace and stability.

The two ministers also discussed the Belt and Road Initiative and ways to strengthen regional connectivity. They explored opportunities to develop trade and transit routes through the Middle East and Central Asia.

The talks also considered linking Pakistan and Qatar with wider trade corridors running through the Middle East to Türkiye and eventually European markets.

Both sides expressed interest in increasing bilateral trade, identifying new areas of economic cooperation and expanding existing commercial ties.

Jam Kamal also met Sri Lankan Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe. The two ministers discussed measures to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including better use and expansion of Pakistan’s first Free Trade Agreement.