Islamabad, The Governments of Pakistan and Dubai have entered into significant Inter-Governmental Framework Agreements, focusing on cooperation in railways, economic zones, and infrastructure. These agreements were signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral relations.

According to Press Information Department, the Federal Minister for Communication, Railways and Maritime Affairs, Mr. Shahid Ashraf Tarar, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), Government of Dubai, inked the agreements. The first agreement encompasses the development of a dedicated freight corridor, a multi-modal logistics park, and freight terminals, with DP World representing the Dubai Government in these initiatives. DP World plans to carry out infrastructure improvements at Qasim International Container Terminal and develop an economic zone near the terminal to bolster bilateral ties in marine and logistics sectors.

The dedicated freight corridor, intended to run from Karachi Port to the Pipri Marshalling Yard, aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Karachi, thus enhancing road efficiency and transport times while significantly reducing logistic costs. Furthermore, the second framework agreement with Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs involves capital dredging of the navigation channel by DP World and the development of an economic zone at Port Qasim. This development is expected to attract over US $3 billion of foreign direct investment.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Shahid Ashraf Tarar lauded the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and DP World. He emphasized the strategic importance of Pakistan as a gateway to Asia and the potential commercial benefits of these landmark projects. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem highlighted Pakistan’s growing market and its crucial role as a trade corridor to Central Asia, reflecting the commitment of both nations to deepen economic cooperation.