Pakistan and the UAE have built their friendship through years of trust and by sharing a common agenda.
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates enjoy extremely close and fraternal relations based on common faith and traditions, deep-rooted cultural affinities, geographic proximity and identical interests. Expressing his confidence over the warm relations that have always existed between the two countries, the Pakistan Ambassador to the UAE Ahsan Ullah Khan says, "I have enjoyed each and every moment of my stay in the UAE. The wonderful hospitality I have received, the warmth of the local people and the love and affection of the Pakistani community here have been incredible."
According to Khan, the Pakistani community has played a vital role in building the UAE. "Currently more than half a million Pakistanis are residing in the UAE. Our workforce has made significant contribution to the evolution of key institutions in the UAE, such as the armed forces, police, healthcare, education, banking and civil aviation. The hospitality offered to Pakistanis in the UAE is a symbol of the affection that binds the two countries. We really don't feel as if we are living in another country."
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and the UAE has increased in recent years. "Trade volume between the two countries was around $5 billion (about Dh18.3 billion) in 2007, out of which our exports to the UAE were $1.5 billion (about Dh5.5 billion) and imports were around $3.6 billion (about Dh13.2 billion)," says Khan. The pacts between the two countries are wide ranging and diverse, and include: Agreement between Pakistan and the UAE for the Promotion and Protection of Investments; Agreement for the Establishment of the Joint Ministerial Commission and very recently the Joint Economic Commission between the two countries; the Defence Cooperation Agreement; Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation; Agreement for Cooperation between Customs Authorities of the two countries; Protocol on Cultural and Media Cooperation between the UAE and Pakistan; and Treaty on the Service of Judicial and Extra-Judicial Documents, Taking of Evidence and Recognition and the Enforcement of Judgements in Civil and Commercial Matters.
According to Khan, Pakistan is open to joint ventures with foreign investors in a wide range of sectors. Some of the lucrative areas in Pakistan are oil and gas, energy and power, agro-based products, infrastructure, especially industrial, mining and minerals, health and tourism, real estate and more recently the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.
UAE business groups are fully aware of the potential investment opportunities in Pakistan and are investing in a significant number in Pakistan. "The UAE has, in fact, become one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment in Pakistan."
"The UAE today is one of the most modern nations in the world and has set an example for other countries to emulate. More than 700 Pakistani companies are registered in the UAE. Pakistani companies have been partners in the development and progress of the UAE since its independence and have invested human and capital resources in the areas of real estate, construction, health and education, telecommunication, infrastructure, banking and insurance and some industrial enterprises.
Recently, Descon Engineering has been awarded by a contract of more than $200 million (about Dh734.5 million) for the establishment of Ruwais Chemical and Fertiliser Plant in the UAE. Ghani Glass has established a state of the art glass manufacturing unit in Ras al Khaimah with an initial investment of around $100 million (about Dh367 million)."
The UAE is the second-largest destination for Pakistani exports. Since the beginning of 2006 there has been a significant increase in trade between the two countries. On an average there has been an approximate rise of 13 per cent in export value compared to previous years.
Trade balance between the two countries is in favour of the UAE mainly due to import of petroleum, iron ore, plastic material, chemical products, machinery and gold (semi-manufactured). Major exports from Pakistan include rice, art, silk and synthetic textiles, readymade garments, knitwear, towels, fruits and vegetables, textiles, engineering goods, fish, surgical instruments, sports goods, footwear, leather garments, carpets, tents and canvas, cutlery and marble and onyx products.
Pakistan was the first country to accord a formal recognition to the UAE on its emergence as an independent federal state by opening an embassy in Abu Dhabi. "Since then, we have been actively involved in the development and progress of the UAE. I would like to mention the contribution of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in fostering close ties between the two countries and who has been the cementing force in our friendship.
"Under the wise guidance of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the new generation of illustrious rulers of the UAE have been keen to develop the fraternal ties between Pakistan and the UAE bequeathed to them. On its part, successive leaderships in Pakistan have worked towards strengthening relationships in the field of economy, commerce, investment, defence and culture. In recent past, frequent exchanges of high level visits have laid the strong foundation of mutually beneficial relations," says Khan.
According to the Ambassador, building and construction, health, education, telecommunication, banking and insurance and information technology are some of the areas in which the government of the UAE is utilising the expertise of the Pakistani workforce.
"For Pakistan, this has been an election year and to call the current political atmosphere turbulent may be a bit far fetched. This is purely temporary and it will not hinder our march to democracy despite the involvement of certain vested interests to disrupt the process and bring
instability.
"There have been a few acts of terrorism but those have strengthened our resolve to fight the menace ferociously. Pakistan's friendship with the UAE transcends such issues. Under the astute leadership of Shaikh Khalifa, our relations will continue to flourish in all fields. Pakistan is committed to strengthen its fraternal ties with the UAE."
