Minister unveils $1 trillion vision at Pakistan Business Council Dubai
Ahsan Iqbal urges overseas Pakistanis to boost exports and foreign investment
DUBAI: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, met a delegation of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai during his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Also present were Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consul General Hussain Muhammad, and other senior members of Pakistan’s diplomatic mission. The meeting served as a platform for strengthening bilateral economic ties and acknowledging the contributions of the overseas Pakistani business community.
Welcoming the delegation, Shabbir Merchant, Chairman of PBC Dubai, thanked the minister for the opportunity to engage directly and praised the Government of Pakistan for hosting the successful Overseas Convention in Islamabad, where UAE-based delegates actively participated.
High-level meetings
Ambassador Tirmizi briefed attendees on the minister’s recent engagements in the UAE, including meetings with Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi, and Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of Dubai’s Executive Council.
The ambassador also appreciated the minister’s visit to a Pakistani community school in Abu Dhabi and his presence at the Pakistan Day reception hosted by the Consulate in Dubai.
Economic vision unveiled
Recalling his association with PBC since 1998, Ahsan Iqbal urged UAE-based Pakistani entrepreneurs to contribute to export growth and foreign investment. He outlined the government’s economic roadmap, Urran Pakistan, targeting a $1 trillion economy by 2025. The strategy centres on five pillars: export-led growth, a shift to a technology-driven economy, environmental sustainability, energy and infrastructure development, and inclusive, ethical growth.
Support for Overseas Pakistanis
Acknowledging the role of overseas Pakistanis in remittance inflows, the minister stressed the need to enhance the quality of community schools across the UAE. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to upgrading consular services and announced plans to expand the Consulate General's premises in Dubai.
The session concluded with an open dialogue where the business community was invited to share suggestions to shape future policies.