Pakistan PM H E Shehbaz Sharif
Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar H E Syed Ahsan Raza Shah has said that visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan H E Shehbaz Sharif to Qatar will give renewed impetus to existing economic ties between Qatar and Pakistan.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be here in Doha on Tuesday (today) and Wednesday on his first official visit to Qatar after assuming office in April this year. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprised of ministers, state ministers, advisors, special assistants and federal secretaries,” the Ambassador said.
He said that Pakistan and Qatar have historically enjoyed very close and cordial bilateral relations as two nations are bound together by shared faith, history, culture, heritage and “this visit is manifestation of historically close bonds of brotherhood between the two countries.”
He said that the inclusion of important cabinet members in the delegation reflects its importance. “The bilateral cooperation in various sectors will be discussed during high level meetings. The visit will cover not only political and diplomatic relations but also economic, trade and investment ties as well as cover areas like labour and manpower.”
He said that during the visit, the Prime Minister of Pakistan will hold in-depth consultations with the Qatari leadership. “The two sides will review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on advancing energy-related cooperation, deepening trade and investment ties, and exploring greater employment opportunities for Pakistanis in Qatar. They will also exchange views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest.”
Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar H E Syed Ahsan Raza Shah
The Ambassador said that the Prime Minister will also visit 974 Stadium in Doha, where he would be briefed on the extensive preparations undertaken by the government of Qatar to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 20222.
“The Pakistan-Qatar relationship is marked by growing collaboration in all fields of bilateral interest as well as close coordination on regional and international issues. Qatar is home to more than 200,000 Pakistanis, who are contributing to the progress, prosperity and economic development of the two brotherly countries.”
He added: “Regular leadership-level exchanges are a hallmark of the Pakistan-Qatar partnership. The Prime Minister’s visit to Qatar will impart a renewed impetus to deepening cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields and further strengthen their growing economic partnership.”
The Ambassador said that Qatar Investment Authority had shown interest in making investments in Pakistan. “Pakistani delegation will propose different areas and sectors where Qatar can invest in Pakistan for which all home work is complete.”
The Ambassador noted that different investment proposals had been prepared for Qatari investments in the sectors like aviation, agriculture, energy. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also have a separate meeting with H H the Amir. He will also participate in roundtable meeting with Qatari and Pakistani businessmen which is being organised in collaboration with Qatar Financial Centre.”
On bilateral trade, he said: “Pakistan’s exports to Qatar have increased significantly, almost doubled, in the last few years.” Despite an upward trend in bilateral trade indicators, the Ambassador thinks the figures are not fully commensurate with the existing potential. “Still it is not enough… not at the level it should be as an enormous potential is still there.”
