PAKISTAN–UAE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP ENTERS NEW ERA AS BILATERAL TRADE SURPASSES $10.1 BILLION

November 22, 2025
Karachi / Dubai

Diwan Fakhruddin, Chairman of the FPCCI Pak-UAE Business Council, has underscored the growing strategic economic alignment between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, calling for sustained policy continuity to fully unlock bilateral trade and investment potential.

> “The relationship between Pakistan and the UAE is evolving from a fraternal bond into a sophisticated, mutually beneficial economic partnership—powered by deliberate and forward-looking policy reforms,” Fakhruddin stated.

Bilateral trade between Pakistan and the UAE surged to $10.1 billion in FY 2024–25, reaffirming the UAE’s position as Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner. The presence of a 1.8 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the UAE remains a stabilizing economic force, with remittances projected to exceed $7 billion in 2025, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s external financing needs.

Despite strong overall performance, the wide trade imbalance—where imports considerably exceed Pakistan’s $2.1 billion in exports—remains an area of concern. Fakhruddin emphasized the need for targeted diversification of Pakistani exports into value-added textiles, high-quality agricultural products, and IT/ITeS services to strengthen Pakistan’s competitive position in the Emirati market.

He further highlighted the success of recent high-level policy coordination and the transformational role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in accelerating structured and large-scale Emirati investment into Pakistan, particularly in sectors previously constrained by regulatory complexity.

Fakhruddin urged the Government of Pakistan to ensure policy continuity, regulatory streamlining, and timely execution to safeguard major UAE-led investment initiatives currently in the pipeline.

In recognition of his exceptional diplomatic and economic contributions, Fakhruddin also proposed a high civilian honor for the outgoing UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, His Excellency Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi.

> “Ambassador Al-Zaabi has been more than a diplomat—he has been an economic catalyst and a steadfast advocate for Pakistan’s potential during crucial years of bilateral advancement,” he said.

He added that such recognition would honor the ambassador’s service and symbolize Pakistan’s deep respect for the leadership and people of the UAE, further strengthening long-term strategic ties.