Islamabad: Pakistan and Qatar have discussed expanding regional trade and transit links through the Middle East and Central Asia, with a potential route connecting Pakistan with Türkiye and European markets.
The discussions took place during meetings between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and regional counterparts on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Summit, covering trade, connectivity, food security and emerging technologies.
During his meeting with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Sayed, Jam Kamal discussed regional developments and their economic implications. Both sides also explored new opportunities for transit and trade under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The ministers discussed the possibility of connecting Pakistan and Qatar through wider regional trade routes extending through the Middle East to Türkiye and onwards to Europe. They also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral trade and exploring new areas of economic cooperation.
Jam Kamal also met Sri Lanka’s Minister for Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Development Wasantha Samarasinghe. The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral trade, including greater use of Pakistan’s first Free Trade Agreement with Sri Lanka.
They also discussed business-to-business and people-to-people exchanges, connectivity, infrastructure and food security. The Sri Lankan minister highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence and cyber security, while Jam Kamal stressed the role of digitalisation in economic development and the need for developing countries to build capacity to address emerging technological challenges.
Pakistan thanked Sri Lanka for supporting the reclassification of Pakistani kinnow to improve market access. Sri Lanka appreciated Pakistan’s cooperation regarding its pineapples, avocados and king coconut.
In a separate meeting with Bangladesh’s Commerce, Industry, Textile and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Jam Kamal discussed expanding economic cooperation and bilateral trade.
The commerce minister highlighted Pakistan’s rice exports to Bangladesh as an example of growing trade and said there was scope to diversify exchanges into areas including textiles. The Bangladeshi minister expressed interest in sharing industrial expertise and promoting greater cooperation.
Both sides agreed that the Belt and Road Initiative and stronger regional connectivity could support trade and economic development.
Jam Kamal also met Teresa Chan, Secretary General of the International Organization for Mediation, which was established in 2025. Chan briefed him on the organisation’s work and Pakistan’s role as a contracting and founding member.
The meeting also covered the role of mediation in resolving disputes involving governments and private organisations.
