Shehbaz Sharif visit to Qatar
PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s two-day official visit to Qatar has concluded. The Government of Qatar bid adieu to the prime minister at the Doha Airport. During his stay in Qatar, the premier addressed the fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, where he chalked out Pakistan’s priorities to attain the development goals. The premier’s speech at the conference focused on exploring the opportunities to ensure sustainable development in the places where international assistance was needed the most. He also called upon the international community to join hands in tapping the full potential of the least developed nations helping them make progress on the road to prosperity.
Premier Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Althani and CEO of Qatar Investment Authority Mansoor Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud. The premier thanked Al-Mahmoud for his interest in enhancing cooperation with Pakistan in the economic sphere and invited Qatari investors to take advantage of the investment-friendly policies of the Pakistani government.
Both countries remain optimistic about working closely to translate existing understandings to strengthen their economic ties and further diversify them in the future in line with Qatar’s Vision 2030. The leadership of both of the countries held talks on issues of mutual interest and discussed ways to further enhance excellent cooperation in economic and investment areas between Pakistan and Qatar. The Emir highly appreciated the contribution by Pakistani workers in the development of Qatar and particularly praised the role played by the Pakistani security personnel towards successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Doha. Shehbaz appreciated Qatar’s continued support for Pakistan’s development initiatives and highlighted the enormous potential for enhanced cooperation between the two countries. He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties with Qatar and discussed ways and means to enhance collaboration in the areas of bilateral investment, trade, and export of skilled manpower from Pakistan.
It is mutually agreed that Investment opportunities in the energy and infrastructure sectors of Pakistan will be enhanced. A detailed discussion has been initiated between the two sides in the this regard. The Qatar Investment Authority has expressed keen interest in investing in LNG power plants, airports and solar power parks in Pakistan. Bilateral trade and investment between the two countries will be multiplied during the coming days. The LDCs has been badly affected by climate change, post-pandemic and geo-strategic disruption in food and energy supply chains, adding that the global events had left these countries vulnerable. The LDCs will be better served by putting welfare at the centre of public policy. Afghanistan and Myanmar, two of the poorest countries, were not present at the Doha meeting of 46 LDC members because their governments are not recognized by UN members.
Shehbaz Sharif assured the Qatari investors full support of the Pakistan government in deepening their footprints in Pakistan and urged them to explore the opportunities presented by CPEC. On the first day of his visit, he interacted with the prominent Qatari and Pakistani business leaders at a ‘Pakistan-Qatar Trade and Investment Roundtable’ besides a meeting with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) officials.
On the occasion, the premier highlighted his firm commitment for providing friendly environment for business and investment in Pakistan. Shehbaz underscored that with large consumer market and an ever-expanding middle class, Pakistan offers attractive business opportunities for investors in the fields of food security, energy, agriculture and livestock, information technology, hospitality and tourism sectors.
Highlighting Pakistan’s liberal and business-friendly investment policies, Shehbaz also urged the Qatari investors to explore the opportunities presented by CPEC aimed at promoting regional connectivity and mutual prosperity. Lauding Qatar’s rapid economic development under the visionary leadership of Qatar’s Amir, the prime minister reiterated that Pakistan wanted to upgrade the traditionally warm political ties between the two countries into a comprehensive economic partnership.
As part of the event, a number of presentations were made by the relevant ministries, highlighting the potential of foreign investment in the fields of food security, energy, maritime, aviation, hospitality and tourism sectors. The QIA officials expressed their readiness to actively pursue investment opportunities in Pakistan. The premier appreciated the QIA’s rejuvenated interest in investing in the country. It was agreed that designated focal persons on both sides would closely follow-up on the key proposals for investment. The premier travelled to Qatar in the hope of attracting trade and investment for the country. He was expected to offer the opportunity to manage Pakistan’s airports and hoped to secure energy deals. Pakistan also hoped to seek a deferred payment plan for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) bought under long-term plan.
Pakistan wants to transform its historical bilateral relationship with Qatar into a more robust strategic relationship. The visit has renewed the bond of brotherhood and friendship between the two countries. The premier extended an invitation to the Emir to visit Pakistan which was accepted with great pleasure. Pakistan needs to strengthen it’s political, diplomatic, economic and cultural ties with Qatar for the wellbeing of both of the brotherly nations.
—The writer is editor, book ambassador political analyst and author of several books based in Islamabad. Email: [email protected]
