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Pakistan’s imports from the UAE were nearly $7.7 billion while exports were $2.3 billion in 2013-2014 (File)
Bilateral trade between the UAE and Pakistan has the potential to grow by $2 billion (Dh7.34 billion) due to the lifting of ban on poultry imports from Pakistan and easing of gold duties by the Pakistan government, said Dr. Saeed Qadir, Commercial Counsellor at Pakistani Consulate in Dubai.
Pakistan’s imports from the UAE were nearly $7.7 billion while exports were $2.3 billion in 2013-2014, Qadir said.
Currently, the UAE is Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the world with bilateral trade amounting to $10 billion (Dh36.7 billion). Pakistan is also one of the largest importers of gold from Dubai – which is known as the city of gold.
“Trade between the two countries could expand by another $2 billion due to the lifting of ban on poultry imports by the UAE and removal of gold duties by the Pakistan government,” he said.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event recently in Dubai, Qadir said Pakistan’s major exports are textiles, machinery and food items; among imports oil takes lion’s share at $5 billion while non-oil imports make up $2.75 billion.
Javed Jalil Khattak, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, echoed Qadir’s statement, and said that that there is a vast potential to enhance trade and business relations between the Pakistan, UAE and other Gulf countries.
He urged over 1.3 million Pakistanis living in the UAE to play more active role in the development of the UAE and Pakistan. “We should strive more for the growth of the UAE economy as it’ll offer more opportunities for Pakistanis residing in the emirates,” he said.
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