ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Qatar have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties, exploring new avenues for trade and investment, and expanding cooperation across key sectors, including agriculture, food security, manufacturing, information technology, maritime transport andinfrastructure.

The commitment was expressed during the second meeting of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Task Force (JTF) on Trade and Investment, cochaired by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Q atar`s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed in Doha.The meeting reviewed progress in bilateral economic cooperation since the inaugural session in April 2026 and explored practical measures to enhance trade, facilitate investment and develop industrial partnerships between the two countries.

According to a press release issued here on Sunday, representatives of relevant Pakistani ministries participated virtually, while the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which serves as the secretariat of the Joint Task Force, coordinated the proceedings from Pakistan.

GCC Free Trade Agreement During the discussions, Pakistan emphasised the importance of an early signing of the Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement, seeking Qatar`s continued support in completing the remaining formalities.

The Pakistani side informed the meeting that it had completed its domestic approval process and forwarded the approved agreement text to the GCC Secretariat on Dec 31, 2025.The proposed agreement is expected to provide a framework for strengthening trade relations and expanding market access between Pakistan and GCC member states.

Pakistan also raised the issue of restrictions on its bone-in meat exports to Qatar and called for an early resolution. It highlighted thata comprehensive technical dossier addressing animal health and food safety requirements had already been shared with the relevant Q atari authorities.

Agriculture and food security featured prominently on the agenda, with Pakistan highlighting a proposed MoU between the TradingCorporation of Pakistan and Qatar`s Hassad Food for rice supply.

The proposal has been submitted to the federal cabinet for approval.

Pakistan invited Qatari investors to explore opportunities in modern agriculture, grain storage facilities, silos, cold storage, integrated coldchain infrastructure and advanced farming technologies.

Both sides also discussed sustainable food supply arrangements.

Besides, the Pakistani delegation presented investment opportunities in the automobile sector, particularly electric vehicles under the country`s new EV policy framework.

Joint manufacturing, technology transfer and industrial partnerships were identified as areas offering scope for closer collaboration.

Pakistan also invited Qatari investment in IT and digital infrastructure, shipping and maritime transport.

The proposed Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway was offered as a potential investment opportunity for Qatar.

The Qatari side stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation in civil aviation and air traffic. Pakistan wel-comed the proposal and said aviationrelated matters would also be taken up by the Technical Working Group on Logistics and Communications.

Investment Fund Pakistan further presented the concept of an Investment Fund, highlighting opportunities for Qatari participation in infrastructure, agriculture, industrial development, information technology and other priority sectors.

To translate the discussions into practical outcomes, Pakistan called for the early operationalisation of 11 Technical Working Groups identified during the first Joint Task Force meeting. These groups cover logistics, aviation, advanced manufacturing, mining and minerals, agriculture, tourism, financial technology, healthcare, education, industrial development, information technology and startups.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement and effective follow-up through the Joint Task Force framework.-APP