Pakistan and Qatar have taken a major step toward shaping a modern and future-ready alliance by expanding cooperation in technology, trade, and energy. The new understanding marks a significant boost to the Qatar Strategic Partnership, especially as both nations explore opportunities in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The breakthrough came during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb and Qatar’s Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari. Both sides agreed that the Qatar Strategic Partnership must evolve with changing global needs, particularly in digital innovation and advanced technologies.
The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen economic ties under the Pakistan–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) free trade agreement. They highlighted the importance of expanding trade and enhancing cooperation in the energy sector, especially in liquefied natural gas (LNG), which remains a key pillar of the Qatar Strategic Partnership.
Talks also covered digital infrastructure, skills development, and the importance of regulatory reforms. Both sides agreed to adopt a structured and long-term plan for cooperation in trade diversification, technology growth, climate resilience, and investment facilitation.
The announcement came after Minister Aurangzeb participated in the 23rd Doha Forum, where he spoke on a panel titled “Global Trade Tensions: Economic Impacts and Policy Responses in the Middle East and North Africa.” The event, hosted by Qatar’s Ministry of Finance along with the IMF, focused on supply chain shifts, regional challenges, and future opportunities.
During the forum, the minister shared Pakistan’s progress under the IMF program and outlined key structural reforms. These included changes in taxation, improvements in the energy sector, institutional strengthening, and support for private-sector growth. He also noted that recent diplomatic discussions with the United States helped Pakistan secure a favorable 19% tariff on major textile exports.
Aurangzeb further highlighted Pakistan’s fast-growing information technology sector, which is expected to reach $4 billion in exports this year. He pointed out expanding trade links with Gulf and Central Asian countries as signs of strong economic momentum.
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However, he also warned about global risks. Climate change and population pressure, he said, remain Pakistan’s biggest long-term challenges. He recalled the devastating floods earlier this year, which reduced economic growth by 0.5%, reinforcing the need for strong climate-resilient policies.
