LAHORE: Ambassa­dor of the United Arab Emirates Hammad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi revealed on Tuesday that Pakistan and the UAE are at the final stage of signing a Comprehensive Eco­nomic Partnership Agree­ment (CEPA), which would significantly boost bilateral trade and remove business obstacles between the two countries.

“The current trade volume of around $8 to $10 billion does not reflect the true strength of relations. So our government wants to double this figure as soon as possible,” he said while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday. LCCI Presi­dent Fah­eem Ur Rehman Saigol welcomed the envoy.

The ambassador further said that the UAE is rapidly shifting towards an AI-driven, digitised economy, where nearly 99 per cent of government services are available online. Referring to the visa process, the envoy said both countries are working to streamline procedures through digital systems.

He appreciated the efforts of Pakistan’s Min­istry of Interior and said discussions were under­way with the Punjab Skilled Labour Authority to enhance cooperation in skilled workforce mobility.

Eyes doubling of bilateral trade to $16-20bn

He emphasised that he is personally working at operational and technical levels to ensure that all signed agreements, including CEPA and other trade frameworks, are fully implemented.

The ambassador said the UAE is expanding investments in Pakistan in key sectors, including infrastructure, ports, aviation, agriculture, minerals and railways. He revealed that discussions with Pakistan’s Railway Minis­try are progressing and new agreements related to supply chain connectivity from northern regions to Karachi, including the possibility of a dry port, would be announced soon. He added that the Joint Business Council is being activated, and efforts are underway to hold its meeting at the earliest.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2026