ISLAMABAD: Member states are pursuing initiatives to meet the organisation’s $500 billion intra-member trade target by 2030, D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation Secretary General Sohail Mahmood said on Tuesday.

He was speaking during a meeting with Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan in Doha on the sidelines of the World Investment Forum 2026.

The commerce ministry said Mr Mahmood appreciated Pakistan’s continued support for the organisation and underscored the importance of implementing the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement following Egypt’s ratification.

Both sides stressed the need to translate existing cooperation frameworks into commercial opportunities through greater private-sector participation, improved market access and stronger linkages among member states.

Mr Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to cooperation within the D-8 framework and to initiatives aimed at facilitating trade, encouraging investment and promoting sustainable growth.

Mr Khan highlighted Pakistan’s investment potential and invited Qatari investors to explore opportunities in special economic zones, particularly in the Karachi industrial area, where export-oriented manufacturing and industrial partnerships could provide access to domestic and international markets.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2026