ISLAMABAD     -     Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal and Minister for Economy of United Arab Emirates Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri on Wednesday agreed to expand economic ties in key areas.

Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal met with Minister for Economy of United Arab Emirates Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai where he is representing Pakistan. He was also accompanied by Minister of State for Petroleum, Musadik Málik, said a press release issued here. Ahsan Iqbal noted the historic brotherly ties between Pakistan and UAE and thanked the Government of UAE for standing by the people of Pakistan in every hour of need ranging from natural disasters to economic crises.

Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal emphasised the need for expanding the trade relations between both countries and identified key areas such as the tech sector, energy and agricultural produce where vast potential for mutual collaboration exist. Minister Iqbal also invited UAE to invest in Pakistan to expand industrial capacity through the Pak-China investment fund being established, upgradation of existing and setting up new refineries, in the minerals sector and the TAPI pipeline. UAE Minister for Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri welcomed the suggestions and showed keen interest in the areas identified. He invited Pakistan to sign a ‘Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement’ (CEPA) with the UAE to help enhance the trade relations between both countries.