- UAE date processing plants add value, improve quality and can boost Pakistan’s exports globally
Interview with Mr. Zafar Iqbal, Chairman SAI Group
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Zafar Iqbal: I am Chairman SAI Group / SAI Institute of Studies / SAI Company (Pvt.) Limited.
I have been associated with oil & gas sector for more than fifty years. I am Founder President of Defence Residents Society, Founder President of SAMEA, Founder of Bazme-Kiran and President of Society for Promotion of Arabic. I have travelled to more than 25 countries and attended hundreds of seminars.
PAGE: What is your perspective about Pakistan & UAE trade?
Zafar Iqbal: Pakistan and UAE have a strong trade relationship, with the UAE being Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, and bilateral trade exceeding $10 billion. Over a million Pakistanis are serving in the UAE creating endless opportunities for both the brotherly countries.
PAGE: Pakistan has signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). How could this benefit Pakistan in its trade with the UAE?
Zafar Iqbal: The recent agreements and collaborations are expected to further boost trade and investment between the two countries.
Benefits of Pakistan-UAE trade:
Increased Market Access: The FTA with GCC will provide Pakistan with increased market access to the UAE and other GCC countries, reducing trade barriers and tariffs.
Diversification of Exports: Pakistan’s exports to the UAE are expected to diversify, with a focus on value-added products like processed dates, textiles, and agricultural products.
Investment Opportunities: UAE’s investment in Pakistan is expected to increase, with a focus on sectors like agriculture, energy, and infrastructure development.
PAGE: Pakistan produces over half a million tonnes of dates annually. The United Arab Emirates intends to establish three date processing plants in major date-producing regions such as Sindh and Balochistan? What is your take on it?
Zafar Iqbal:
Impact of UAE’s Date Processing Plants:
Value Addition: The plants will enable Pakistan to add value to its date production, increasing export earnings and improving farmer incomes.
Improved Quality: The use of modern processing facilities will improve the quality of Pakistani dates, making them more competitive in the global market.
Increased Exports: The plants are expected to increase Pakistan’s date exports, with the UAE serving as a key market.
Overall, the Pakistan-UAE trade relationship is expected to strengthen, with mutual benefits for both countries.