D-8 sets $500b trade target for 2030

D-8 member states are pursuing a goal of $500 billion in trade among themselves by 2030, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said during meetings in Doha on October 25. The Express Tribune reported that Khan urged members to implement the bloc’s Preferential Trade Agreement after Egypt ratified it.

Talks also covered better market access, stronger business links and greater private-sector participation. In separate meetings on October 25 and 26, Khan discussed trade and investment with Qatari officials, the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Retaj Group, including possible cooperation in agriculture, food security, industry, hospitality and tourism.

Khan invited Qatari investors to consider Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones, particularly the Karachi industrial area. Retaj Group expressed interest in exploring joint ventures with Pakistani businesses and opportunities to expand its hospitality brands in Pakistan and other Islamic countries.