The newly concluded Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and the GCC emerged as the darling of the 23rd Doha Forum on Saturday.
It comes as Qatar described the major shift in regional trade dynamics and a new era of cooperation across energy, tech, and AI.
Both Qatari and Pakistani delegations confirmed the agreement had entered its final stages, with signing expected following the completion of internal approvals across GCC member states.
Strategic Realignment in Investment Patterns
The agreement marks growing business investment between the GCC and Islamabad.
According to the Qatari Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, the agreement is a “major strategic milestone” and marks a new phase of regional trade flows.
The expected sign-off comes as GCC states, specifically Qatar and the UAE, deepen investment with South Asia and Central Asia.
Bahraini Business: FinTech & Banking Bilateral Cooperation
Before Doha, the Pakistani PM – Shehbaz Sharif – said that the GCC FTA had been “nearly finalised” expecting it to significantly boost trade with the GCC: specifically, Bahrain.
“Whether you are a Bahraini investor exploring Pakistan or a Pakistani entrepreneur contributing to Bahrain’s great progress, let this moment be your launching pad,” Sharif said.
Pakistan has significant youthful labour force with significant upskilling potential across IT, agriculture, and fintech.
Bahrain continues to develop digital technology: Bahrain’s high-capacity subsea cables are positioning the island sate as a regional centre for data and connectivity opening opportunities for Pakistani firms in software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and next-gen digital services.
A Mirror to GCC Reform: Crypto Regulation & Upskilling on Blockchain
After the panel, Pakistan announced several measures that embody GCC reforms in a signal of Pakistan’s commitment to regulatory reform.
The Pakistan Finance Minister, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, told reporters that Pakistan had established a crypto council and continues to develop a regulatory framework for virtual assets aimed at curbing capital flight whilst strengthening AML controls.
Aurangzeb also discussed opportunities for upskilling the large youth cohort in blockchain and AI with the aid of GCC technological transfer.
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