United Arab Emirates Ambassador Hammad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi has announced that Pakistan and the UAE are in the final stages of concluding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, a deal expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade and remove existing business barriers.
Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the ambassador stated that the current trade volume, estimated between eight and ten billion dollars, does not accurately reflect the true depth of relations between the two countries. He expressed his government’s commitment to doubling this figure at the earliest opportunity.
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The envoy highlighted that the UAE is rapidly transitioning toward an artificial intelligence-driven and digitized economy, with nearly ninety-nine percent of government services now available online. Regarding visa processing, he noted that both nations are working to streamline procedures through digital systems.
Ambassador Al-Zaabi also revealed that discussions are underway with the Punjab Skilled Labour Authority to strengthen cooperation in the mobility of skilled workforce. He emphasized that he is personally engaged at both operational and technical levels to ensure full implementation of all signed agreements.
The ambassador further stated that the UAE is expanding its investments in Pakistan across multiple key sectors, including infrastructure, ports, aviation, agriculture, minerals, and railways.
