News DeskDUBAI – Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Shafqat Ali Khan, convened a high-level meeting with the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai today, reinforcing the diplomatic mission’s commitment to bolstering trade and investment between the two nations.
Held at the Consulate General of Pakistan, the meeting brought together key diplomats and business leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing economic cooperation. The PBC delegation was led by Chairman Muhammad Shabbir Merchant and included senior management committee members Kamran Ahmed Riaz, Iftikhar Ali Tatlah, Noor Karim Afridi, Saleem Tabani, and Muhammad Iqbal Dawood. Also in attendance were Trade and Investment Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan and senior consulate officials.
Strengthening Commercial Linkages
Ambassador Khan lauded the PBC Dubai for its proactive efforts in bridging commercial gaps between Pakistan and the UAE. Highlighting the Emirates as one of Pakistan’s most vital economic partners, he emphasized that robust bilateral trade is the linchpin for consolidating the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties shared by the two “brotherly countries.”
“The Embassy and the Consulate General remain fully committed to facilitating PBC’s initiatives and providing all possible assistance to the Pakistani business community here,” the Ambassador stated.
Focus on Mentorship and Compliance
A key agenda item was the sustainability of Pakistani enterprises in the competitive UAE market. Ambassador Khan specifically encouraged the PBC to take on a mentorship role for new Pakistani businessmen and startups entering the region.
He underscored the critical importance of educating new entrants on the UAE’s evolving regulatory landscape. The Ambassador stressed that awareness regarding legal compliance, corporate governance standards, and market opportunities is essential for long-term success.
PBC’s Roadmap for Growth
In his briefing to the Ambassador, Chairman Muhammad Shabbir Merchant outlined the Council’s current trajectory and future roadmap. He detailed ongoing efforts to advocate for Pakistani interests with local authorities, facilitate high-value networking opportunities, and organize knowledge-sharing sessions.
Merchant noted that the PBC is focused on capacity-building initiatives designed to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of Pakistani businesses on the global stage.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the dialogue, agreeing to maintain close coordination to unlock new avenues for trade and investment.
