Qatar Chamber Explores Co-Operation With Sialkot Chamber of Pakistan

Qatar Chamber general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri held a meeting Tuesday with a Pakistani delegation from the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) headed by its president, Ikram ul-Haq.

The delegation included Muhammad Imtiaz Khan, executive director of healthcare company Med Ask; Dr Ghulam Murtaza, CEO of DRM Pharma & Diagnostic; and Khawaja Masood Akhtar, chairman of Forward Group, a manufacturer and exporter of footballs.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed avenues for enhancing trade and economic cooperation between Qatar and Pakistan. Discussions also focused on strengthening institutional collaboration between the Qatar Chamber and the Sialkot Chamber to support private sector engagement and boost bilateral trade and investment.

Al-Mansouri praised the close relations between the two countries, particularly in the trade and economic fields.

 He noted that the total volume of Qatar-Pakistan trade exchange reached QR12.7bn in 2024, with QR12.2bn representing Qatari exports, including primarily petroleum gases and gaseous hydrocarbons, while imports from Pakistan amounted to about QR500mn.

He also highlighted the presence of more than 2,000 Pakistani companies registered with the Qatar Chamber, operating in partnership with Qatari firms, in addition to 37 companies that are fully Pakistani-owned.

 He affirmed that the Qatari market remains open and welcoming to more Pakistani investors.

Ul-Haq expressed appreciation for the strong bilateral relations, emphasising that the delegation includes key representatives from Pakistan’s healthcare and sports manufacturing sectors, who are keen to forge strategic alliances with Qatari businesses.

Khan highlighted the diverse investment opportunities available in Sialkot, particularly in the healthcare sector.

 He noted that Pakistani firms are eager to collaborate with Qatari counterparts in establishing joint ventures in hospitals, pharmacies, and medical laboratories.

Akhtar said his company manufactured the footballs used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is currently producing footballs for the 2026 tournament. 

He expressed interest in building partnerships with Qatari companies to further expand their international presence.