The UAE-Pakistan trade deal is almost done being signed, according to the envoy.

The UAE’s ambassador told the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Wednesday that the Emirates and Pakistan were in the “final stage” of signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to boost commerce and get rid of barriers.

UAE Ambassador Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi spoke at the Lahore Chamber and said that the CEPA would help reduce barriers to commerce and strengthen the economic connections between the two countries.

Al Zaabi said in a statement from the Lahore Chamber that “Pakistan and the UAE are at the final stage of signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which would significantly boost bilateral trade and remove business obstacles between the two countries.”

He went on to say that the current trade volume of about $8 to $10 billion didn’t show how much more the relationship might grow, and his administration had a “clear directive” to double that amount as quickly as feasible.

Al Zaabi claimed that the UAE was putting more money into Pakistan in areas including infrastructure, ports, aviation, agriculture, minerals, and railways.

He indicated that talks with Pakistan’s Railway Ministry were going well and that additional agreements would be made public soon. These agreements would be about connecting the supply chain from northern areas to Karachi, possibly through a dry port.

He also said that the Joint Business Council between the two countries was being set up and that efforts were being made to hold its meeting to improve cooperation between institutions.

The UAE ambassador also talked about how they are making the visa process easier and making it easier for talented workers to move around.

The LCCI statement claimed that Al Zaabi talked about the visa process and noted that both countries were attempting to make things easier by using digital technologies. He also praised the work of Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior.

The ambassador stated that the UAE was quickly moving toward an economy based on artificial intelligence and digital technology, with almost all government services available online.

The ambassador asked the Lahore Chamber to send him a full dossier explaining difficulties and investment potential, saying that his country is focused on information technology, digital banking, and innovation.