By Hasan

Pakistan and Qatar can expand bilateral trade by directing investment into key sectors such as energy, agri-food and value-added manufacturing while improving export standards and supply reliability.

Experts say a phased approach can help keep outcomes practical and achievable. The first step would be to direct investment toward sectors that can quickly improve export readiness. The second step would focus on strengthening compliance, traceability, packaging and supply reliability so Pakistani products meet Qatari market requirements. The final step would involve structured matchmaking and facilitation mechanisms with defined timelines to convert business engagement into signed agreements that expand Pakistan’s exports to Qatar.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Zaeem Hassan Mehmood, Senior Researcher at Greenwich University Karachi, said Pakistan’s installed crude oil refining capacity is about 450,000 barrels per day, but utilisation remains below potential due to limited deep conversion capability, ageing infrastructure and the need for both modernisation and new refinery projects.

He said this situation creates an opportunity for Qatari capital and advanced technology to enhance efficiency in Pakistan’s refining sector. Upgrading refinery infrastructure could help improve product standards, meet growing domestic fuel demand and generate higher-value refined products for export.

Mehmood also highlighted opportunities in agriculture and food exports, noting that improved cold chain infrastructure and quality upgrades can strengthen Pakistan’s export potential in rice, fruits and halal meat for Qatar and the wider Gulf market. He stressed that exporters must enhance compliance with the Gulf Cooperation Council export and sanitary requirements.

He said technology adoption can also support export growth. Tools such as artificial intelligence can help optimise supply chains and strengthen traceability, while exporters should invest in branding and market intelligence through Arabic-friendly marketing and better demand analysis.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Namra Saleem, Research Associate at Policy Research and Advisory Council Karachi, said Qatar’s food import dependence creates investment opportunities in Pakistan’s agri-food and livestock sectors, particularly in bovine meat, onions, rice and citrus.

She said Pakistan also has near-term export potential in cement and construction materials, while value-added textiles and home textiles could grow through joint ventures and branding partnerships rather than commodity-based trade.

Saleem said exporters must strengthen quality compliance and certification to capture the estimated US$227 million export potential in the Qatari market identified by the International Trade Centre. This includes aligning with Gulf Standard Organization requirements, improving traceability and ensuring halal certification in accordance with Qatari regulations.

She added that improving scale and reliability, particularly in agriculture, will be essential. Contract farming models can help guarantee an uninterrupted supply, while exporters should move toward branded, retail-ready products with Arabic-compliant packaging and stronger distribution partnerships in Qatar.

Saleem also emphasised the importance of mechanisms that convert discussions into practical outcomes. She proposed sector-specific B2B matchmaking platforms and a joint Pak-Qatar Export and Investment Facilitation Desk to support investors and exporters.

Muhammad Zain, Trade Supervisor at Habib Bank Limited, said Qatar can generate an immediate economic impact by investing in sectors where Pakistan already has competitive export potential but requires capacity expansion.

He identified food processing and value-added agriculture, textiles and technical fabrics, information technology and digital services, pharmaceuticals and medical disposables, and construction materials such as cement, ceramics and light engineering goods as areas where targeted investment could expand production and supply for the Qatari market.

Zain said exporters must strengthen compliance with Gulf-specific quality, packaging and halal standards, while improving supply chain reliability and delivery timelines. He also stressed the importance of branding, after-sales services and stronger relationships with distributors in the Qatari market.

To improve deal execution and reduce delays, he recommended establishing sector-specific working groups and a fast-track facilitation cell for Qatari investors within Pakistan’s trade missions. He also suggested using pre-negotiated draft memorandums of understanding and model contracts, along with matchmaking events that connect Qatari buyers with vetted Pakistani exporters.

Credit: INP-WealthPk