ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has urged the need for early finalisation of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the UAE to enable Pakistan to increase its exports.

He also stressing on the need to explore new avenues in economic diplomacy and investments with the UAE.

He said that trade between Pakistan and UAE could be further increased from its current level of $10.6 billion to make it commensurate with our excellent relations and close geographic proximity.

The president made these remarks while talking to Pakistan’s ambassador-designate to UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi at the presidency on Monday.

“There is a huge potential for cooperation between the two countries in the field of renewable energy, commercial, industrial, infrastructure development and hospitality sectors,” he noted. He also talked about the huge Pakistani labour force employed in UAE.

“The 1.6 million strong Pakistani diaspora in the UAE is an asset and playing a significant role in the progress and development of the two countries. The remittances sent by the Pakistani diaspora stood at $5.814 billion in 2021-22 which hugely helped Pakistan overcome its foreign exchange requirements,” he added.

The president appreciated the UAE government for providing assistance to the flood victims in Pakistan, which included 57 humanitarian assistance flights and two ships carrying relief goods. He also praised the support of the UAE to Pakistan at FATF and IMF and the deposits made by the government of UAE to the tune of $2 billion to enhance Pakistan’s liquidity and foreign exchange reserves.

Expressing his satisfaction over the foreign direct investment of $2.9 billion made by UAE in Pakistan, he said that there was a need to increase this investment in the days to come.

Mr Alvi asked the ambassador-designate to create digital linkages of the Pakistani diaspora with the online higher education institutions of Pakistan like AIOU and Virtual University to help them improve their digital skills and also take up high-value courses to enhance their capacity and skills level, which would help them in improving their income.

He highlighted the DigiSkills Training programme of the prime minister, which could be promoted among the diaspora in order to equip them with the requirements of developed economies.

The president also advised the envoy to sensitise the UAE leadership with regard to increasing cases of Islamophobia in Indian society and their pursuit of Hindutva, which was endangering the lives of minorities, especially Muslims.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2022