Pakistan and the Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on Friday to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, including rail, airport infrastructure, maritime shipping, and logistics. The agreements were formalized during a meeting where UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi led an investor delegation in talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a PM Office statement.
The prime minister witnessed the exchange of agreements involving the ministries of maritime affairs, aviation, railways, and the Federal Board of Revenue with AD Ports Group. Under the MoUs, Pakistan and AD Ports Group aim to collaborate on digital customs controls, dedicated freight rail corridors, enhancements to Pakistan’s maritime fleet and marine services, and upgrades to international airport infrastructure.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed appreciation to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their continued support to Pakistan. He emphasized the strong, fraternal ties between Pakistan and the UAE, rooted in shared history and culture. The prime minister noted that the UAE’s investments would play a crucial role in boosting Pakistan’s economic growth, underscoring the visit as a sign of the UAE’s commitment to expanding its investment footprint in Pakistan.
Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi thanked Prime Minister Sharif for the warm reception, expressing satisfaction with AD Ports’ existing investments in Pakistan and interest in expanding investment in shipping, port efficiency, logistics, and customs digitization.
The UAE delegation also included Kaheel Group Chairman Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, AD Ports Group Managing Director & CEO Capt. Mohamed Al Shamisi, and UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi. Representing Pakistan were Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Maritime Affairs Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, and SAPM Tariq Fatemi.
