Pakistan Asks Qatar to Help Fast-Track Free Trade Agreement with GCC

Pakistan has sought Qatar's backing for the early signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as both countries explore opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment.

Key points

• Pakistan informed the session that it had completed its domestic approval process and sent the approved agreement text to the GCC Secretariat on December 31, 2025.
• The two sides discussed a proposed agreement between the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and Qatar's Hassad Food for supplying Pakistani rice under a government-to-government arrangement.
• Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, in Doha on October 24.
• Pakistan pressed the early launch of 11 technical working groups covering sectors including agriculture, logistics, aviation, advanced manufacturing, mining, tourism, healthcare, financial technology, education, IT and startups.
• Pakistan additionally invited Qatari investment in modern agriculture, grain storage, silos, cold storage, cold-chain infrastructure and advanced farming technologies.

Meanwhile, the request was created during the second gathering of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Task Force on Trade and Investment, co-chaired by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Dr. Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, in Doha on October 24.

Pakistan informed the session that it had completed its domestic approval process and sent the approved agreement text to the GCC Secretariat on December 31, 2025. It pressed Qatar to assist expedite the remaining formalities. Pakistan Cancels $0.5 Billion High-Interest Loan. Pakistan Seeks to Expand Agricultural Trade.

Pakistan additionally called on the resolution of restrictions on its bone-in meat exports to Qatar, saying it had already submitted a technical dossier addressing animal health and food safety requirements.

Meanwhile, the two sides discussed a proposed agreement between the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and Qatar's Hassad Food for supplying Pakistani rice under a government-to-government arrangement. The proposal has been submitted to the federal cabinet for approval.

Pakistan additionally invited Qatari investment in modern agriculture, grain storage, silos, cold storage, cold-chain infrastructure and advanced farming technologies. Pakistan Under Pressure to Close Iran Border. Qatar Invited to Invest in EVs and Infrastructure.

Pakistan presented investment opportunities in electric vehicles, automobile manufacturing, information technology and digital infrastructure. The discussions additionally covered joint manufacturing, technology transfer and industrial partnerships.

In the maritime sector, Pakistan highlighted opportunities for Qatar to invest in shipping and support secure oil tankers, liquefied natural gas carriers and container vessels. The proposed Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway was additionally presented as a potential investment opportunity to improve connectivity between seaports, the national road network and regional trade routes.

Pakistan additionally presented the concept of an investment fund covering infrastructure, agriculture, industrial development and information technology. Pakistan Wants Road Links to Central Asia Through China. Both Countries Seek Stronger Economic Cooperation.

It remarked the groups should identify specific trade and investment opportunities, address outstanding matters and prepare sector-wise recommendations ahead of the third session of the joint task force. It pakistan will host.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to stronger trade facilitation and investment cooperation. During the session, Jam Kamal Khan and Al-Sayed additionally signed the minutes of the first session of the joint task force. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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In short, pakistan Asks Qatar to Help Fast-Track Free Trade Agreement with GCC is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.