Pakistan UAE trade has reached a record $10.1 billion as bilateral ties deepen and remittances from the United Arab Emirates are projected to surpass $7 billion. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry through its Pak-UAE Business Council says the relationship is evolving into a mature, strategically aligned economic partnership that needs consistent policy support to convert rising investment interest into concrete projects.
Diwan Fakhruddin, chairman of the FPCCI Pak-UAE Business Council, noted that Pakistan’s exports to the UAE stood at $2.1 billion while imports remain substantially higher, sustaining a persistent trade imbalance. He urged authorities to focus on widening Pakistan UAE trade by diversifying exports to the Emirates into value-added textiles, premium agricultural produce and IT and IT-enabled services to improve the balance and capture higher-value opportunities.
Mr Fakhruddin highlighted the economic importance of the 1.8 million Pakistanis living in the UAE, calling the diaspora a key stabiliser for Pakistan’s external account. With remittances expected to top $7 billion, the diaspora will continue to play a central role in sustaining foreign exchange inflows and supporting domestic consumption.
The chairman credited the Special Investment Facilitation Council for accelerating structured Emirati investment into Pakistan. Pakistan UAE trade is increasingly underpinned by a pipeline of projects that benefit from the SIFC’s streamlined framework, which has helped unlock sectors that previously faced policy and procedural bottlenecks.
While welcoming the shift toward tangible investment outcomes, Mr Fakhruddin called on the government to maintain policy continuity and swiftly remove remaining regulatory hurdles. He warned that any reversal of reform momentum could put major projects in the pipeline at risk and undermine investor confidence that has begun to manifest in rising Emirati commitments.
In recognition of sustained economic diplomacy, the FPCCI has proposed awarding a high civilian honor to outgoing UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, praising his role as an economic catalyst who helped advance multi-billion-dollar investment commitments. The council said such recognition would reflect Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the UAE leadership and reinforce the enduring strength of bilateral relations as Pakistan UAE trade continues to expand.
