LCCI Hails UAE President’s Visit as a Milestone in Pakistan-UAE Relations

UAE President’s Visit Marks Turning Point in Pakistan-UAE Economic Relations

LAHORE:
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has hailed the visit of United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a key moment in strengthening Pakistan-UAE bilateral relations.

According to LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Senior Vice President Engr Khalid Usman, and Vice President Shahid Nasir Chaudhry, “the visit is a major step towards boosting trade, attracting investment, and revitalizing Pakistan’s economy.”

The UAE is one of Pakistan’s most important trading and investment partners, the LCCI leadership emphasized. With Pakistan importing petroleum products, machinery, aluminum, and chemicals, and exporting textiles, rice, fruits, vegetables, and leather items to the United Arab Emirates, bilateral commerce has reached a major level.

President Al Nahyan’s commitment to invest $10 billion in various sectors in Pakistan was hailed as a transformative initiative. “This visit represents an extraordinary opportunity to enhance economic cooperation. His leadership can lead to breakthroughs in energy, technology and agriculture,” said the LCCI President.

The LCCI outlined several areas for deeper cooperation. Investments in renewable energy projects, including solar, wind and hydropower, will address Pakistan’s energy crisis while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. Joint efforts in modern agriculture and agro-processing were identified to improve food security and increase agricultural exports.

Tourism and hospitality development are untapped areas, with potential to attract visitors to the UAE and promote cultural exchanges. The LCCI urged UAE investors to explore Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which offer strategic opportunities for establishing industrial bases and enhancing regional connectivity.

The LCCI highlighted the 1.6 million Pakistani expatriates living in the UAE and their role as a link between the two countries. Remittances from the UAE constitute a significant portion of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, and the visit is expected to strengthen cross-cultural understanding and personal ties.

LCCI appreciated the UAE’s consistent financial and humanitarian support during challenging times and expressed confidence that the visit would lead to new trade agreements, increased investments and joint projects to address Pakistan’s economic challenges.

“This visit marks a turning point in Pakistan-UAE relations. It offers immense potential to increase trade, attract investment and promote sustainable development,” the LCCI leadership said.