Strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster robust bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and economic collaboration through strategic linkages between Karachi and Dubai’s business communities.
KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani signed the MoU with PBC Dubai Chairman Shabbir Merchant during a meeting at the KCCI premises. KCCI Senior Vice President Ziaul Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, Chairman of the Special Committee to Implement MoUs Junaid Esmail Makda, PBC Dubai Executive Adviser Mustafa Hemani, KCCI former vice president Haris Agar, and KCCI Managing Committee members attended the meeting.
Bilwani emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral economic relations and highlighted the key features of the MoU. “This partnership marks a strategic effort to deepen trade and investment cooperation through practical initiatives such as exchange of trade delegations, joint participation in international exhibitions and trade fairs, and the co-organization of business seminars, workshops, and networking forums,” he said.
The KCCI president said both organizations have agreed to share timely and relevant information pertaining to trade policies, regulatory frameworks, and business practices in their respective regions. Moreover, the agreement outlines mutual support for facilitation of business visa processes, logistical assistance for visiting trade delegations, and promotion of B2B interactions through digital platforms.
Bilwani also lauded PBC Dubai’s initiative of launching a dedicated website and mobile application to promote B2B matchmaking, enabling businesses to find potential partners with ease. “Such tools are critical for increasing engagement between entrepreneurs and investors in both markets,” he noted.
The PBC Dubai chairman underscored the significance of this agreement for the business communities of both countries, adding it would not only serve as a bridge between Karachi and Dubai but also create a platform for sustainable economic growth. “It will facilitate meaningful business linkages, remove hurdles, and offer ease of doing business for entrepreneurs and investors on both sides,” he said.
Merchant expressed confidence that this partnership would enable Pakistani businesses to better access the U.A.E. market and benefit from Dubai’s status as a global trade and investment hub. “Through enhanced cooperation and knowledge sharing, we can build resilient and mutually beneficial trade networks,” he added.
Special Committee to Implement MoUs Chairman Makda detailed the provisions related to conflict resolution. “The MoU includes a framework for the peaceful resolution of business disputes through mediation and arbitration, in accordance with international best practices. This is crucial for building confidence among businesses,” he said. He further stated that the MoU encourages the governments of Pakistan and the U.A.E. to support the efforts of both organizations by introducing facilitative policies, recognizing the chambers’ roles in diplomatic and economic engagement, and assisting in policy advocacy to improve the overall ease of doing business.
PBC Dubai Executive Adviser Hemani appreciated the KCCI’s proactive role and coordination in realizing this important milestone. “The signing of this MoU is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and shared vision between our institutions. We believe this will pave the way for long-term economic cooperation,” he said.
As part of the MoU’s implementation strategy, both parties have agreed to conduct monthly virtual meetings to monitor progress, review initiatives, and assess outcomes. Both sides will appoint focal persons to ensure smooth coordination, timely communication, and effective follow-through on agreed objectives.
The MoU symbolizes a new chapter of cooperation between Karachi and Dubai, two major regional commercial hubs. By leveraging each other’s strengths, the KCCI and PBC Dubai aim to unlock new trade avenues, attract cross-border investments, and contribute to bilateral economic growth and prosperity.
This strategic partnership is expected to bring tangible benefits to exporters, importers, SMEs, startups, and established enterprises seeking to expand their footprint in regional and international markets.