Summary The two sides discussed a proposed government-to-government agreement for rice supplies from Pakistan to Qatar
(Dunya News) - Pakistan and Qatar have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation during the second meeting of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Task Force in Doha.
The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed. Participants reviewed progress in economic cooperation since the task force’s first meeting in April 2026.
Pakistan stressed the need for an early signing of the Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement. Pakistani officials said the domestic approval process had been completed and sought Qatar’s cooperation in finalising the remaining formalities.
Pakistan also called on Qatar to lift its ban on imports of bone-in meat. Pakistani authorities said comprehensive technical documentation concerning animal health and food safety had already been provided to Qatar.
The two sides discussed a proposed government-to-government agreement for rice supplies from Pakistan to Qatar. The proposed agreement between the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and Qatar’s Hassad Food has been sent to the federal cabinet for approval.
Pakistan invited Qatar to invest in modern agriculture, grain storage, cold-chain facilities and agricultural technology. Both countries also discussed establishing sustainable supply arrangements to strengthen food security.
Investment opportunities in electric and new-energy vehicles were also discussed, including joint manufacturing, technology transfer and industrial partnerships. Pakistan further invited Qatari investment in information technology, digital infrastructure and IT services.
The meeting also explored ways to expand cooperation in maritime transport and shipping. Pakistan highlighted potential collaboration in oil tankers, liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and container vessels.
Pakistan presented the proposed new Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway as a potential investment opportunity for Qatar. Officials said the project could improve connectivity between ports and support regional trade with Central Asian countries.
Qatar emphasised the importance of expanding cooperation in civil aviation and air connectivity, a proposal welcomed by Pakistan. The two sides also discussed a proposed investment fund and opportunities in priority sectors.
Pakistan called for the early activation of 11 technical working groups covering agriculture, minerals, industry, education, health, tourism, information technology and other areas. Pakistani officials said details of Pakistan’s representatives had been shared with Qatar and requested that Qatar nominate its representatives soon.
It was decided that the working groups would prepare progress reports on trade and investment opportunities and other areas of cooperation before the task force’s third meeting, which will be held in Pakistan.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan and Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed formally signed the minutes of the joint task force’s first meeting.
Separately, Jam Kamal Khan met Nan Li Collins, head of the World Investment Forum, in Doha. Their discussions covered the regional situation, global economic challenges, regional cooperation, economic connectivity and the need for coordinated efforts to address shared challenges.
