UAE FTA awaits Pakistan’s nod, says UAE consul general

KARACHI: The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan will come into effect as soon as Islamabad signs it, said UAE Consul General in Karachi Dr Bakheet Ateeq Al-Rumaithi.

Responding to a query about the FTA’s status, Dr Al-Rumaithi said that negotiations are at an advanced stage. He made these remarks while speaking to the media on the sidelines of the inauguration of Emirates Airline’s new travel store in Karachi.

The consul general dismissed claims about the UAE rejecting visas for Pakistanis. “There is no issue at all,” he said in response to concerns about visa rejections. He also mentioned the UAE government’s priority of enhancing trade relations with Pakistan.

Later, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean Essa Sulaiman Ahmad briefed the media about the features of Emirates Airline’s new travel store in Karachi.

During the briefing, Ahmad discussed Emirates’ growth trajectory and shared insights into the global and Pakistani aviation industries. When asked about Emirates’ potential involvement in the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), he clarified, “We are more focused on our own airline and are not considering acquiring stakes in any other airline. I prefer to concentrate on Emirates.”

Ahmad further stated that Emirates thrives on competition, which he believes fosters improvement. Commenting on Pakistan’s aviation policy, he highlighted the country’s vast potential and affirmed Emirates’ alignment with its aviation framework.